4th of July traffic projected to hit new records, hotel rates and airfares lower than last year
by June 30, 2016 5:48 pm 86 views
AAA is projecting that approximately 43 million Americans will travel this Independence Day weekend, representing the highest travel volume on record and five million more travelers compared to Memorial Day weekend. The holiday travel period is defined as Thursday (June 30) to Monday (July 4).
“Spurred by the lowest gas prices since 2005, more people than ever are planning to travel this Independence Day weekend,” said Marshall Doney, AAA President and CEO. “Whether they’re traveling by car, plane, train, or cruise ship, it will be exciting to see so many Americans celebrating our nation’s freedom with their friends and family over the long holiday weekend.”
AAA estimates that U.S. drivers have saved close to $20 billion on gasoline thus far in 2016 compared to the same period last year, making travel more affordable than in recent years. Growing consumer confidence and an increase in economic activity are offsetting a cooling labor market to help boost holiday travel.
“We are well on our way for 2016 to be a record-breaking year for summertime travel,” Doney said. “This trend is welcome news for the travel industry and a sign that Americans are taking to our nation’s highways and skies like never before.”
Also, airfares and hotel rates are lower than last Independence Day, according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index. Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be 9% less, with an average roundtrip ticket costing $207. Hotel costs have fallen slightly compared to this period in 2015. AAA Three Diamond Rated hotels will average $185, while a AAA Two Diamond Rated hotel will average $144 nightly. Daily car rental rates will average $75, 6% more than last year.