BOISE, ID – AAA is predicting a record number of travelers this Independence Day, with 72.2 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more from home, including 410,000 residents from Idaho.
According to AAA Idaho Public Affairs Director Matthew Conde, this marks an increase of approximately 1.7 million more travelers compared to last year. “If you’re having company over, plan on throwing a few more hotdogs on the grill,” said Conde. “The early bird will avoid the most traffic and the longest TSA security lines.”
The travel period for Independence Day will span from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. For those hoping to avoid the heaviest congestion, AAA advises hitting the road before noon on the selected travel day. The worst days to travel are expected to be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6.
Travel Breakdown by Mode of Transportation
Out of the 72.2 million travelers, 61.6 million are expected to travel by car, making up 85% of the total. Nearly 6 million will fly, while just under 5 million will travel by cruise, bus, or train. AAA also projects new records for both automobile and air travel this year.
Top Destinations for Idahoans
AAA has released a list of the top 10 destinations for Idaho travelers this Independence Day:
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Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
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Las Vegas, NV
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Yellowstone National Park
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Hawaii
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Salt Lake City, UT
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Oregon Coast
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Seattle, WA
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Denver, CO
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San Diego, CA
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Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park, WY
Travel Costs This Year
While hotel and rental car prices are lower this year, airfares and cruise costs have risen. AAA reports the following changes in travel costs:
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Domestic flights are 4% more expensive than last year.
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Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper than last year.
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Domestic car rentals are 2% cheaper than last year.
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Cruises departing from U.S. cities are 40% more expensive than last year, especially for Alaska cruises, which are in peak season.
Conde noted that while cruises are becoming more popular, limited availability means prices tend to increase. “There are only so many ships and cabins,” he said. “When demand jumps for the most popular bookings, prices tend to go up.”
AAA Travel Tips for the Holiday
To help travelers prepare, AAA has provided the following tips:
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Vehicle Check: Ensure your battery, engine, and tires are in good condition before setting off.
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Airport Prep: If flying, pack one change of clothes, medications, and important documents in your carry-on bag.
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Flight Monitoring: Download the airline app for real-time updates and arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
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Fireworks Viewing: Arrive early for the best seats at public fireworks displays.
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Reservations: Make reservations at your preferred restaurants to avoid long waits.
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Packing: Focus on packing only what you need, leaving extra room for souvenirs.
“Remember – if you want to get away from it all, don’t bring it all with you,” Conde said. “Focus on packing things you’ll really use and leave the rest at home.”