If you’re packing up the car to make a trip for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, you are among a record number of Americans doing the same.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts a record 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.
AAA reports this year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and seven million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and the Fourth of July is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week.”
AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 percent increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. This Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024.
Drivers are seeing some increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021. This year, the price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side. The Israel Iran conflict has driven up the price of oil in recent days but not dramatically.
As of Tuesday, July 2, Mississippi’s average regular unleaded gasoline price of $2.711 is the lowest in the nation, 2,4 cents less than Oklahoma, which is second. Texas, Tennessee ($2.775) and Louisiana make up the rest of the top five.
California, Hawaii and Washington have the highest average fuel pump prices in America. The national average of $3.178 is nearly a nickel lower than a week ago and 31.3 cents less than one year ago at this time.
DeSoto County has an average pump price of $2.709, and in Southaven and Olive Branch the average price dropped from an average $2.73 to $2.723 on Tuesday.
For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3 is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles.
The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a new record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations; that’s eight percent of all Independence Day travelers. This year’s projection is a 1.4 percent increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers.
Travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4 percent over last year. AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise.
