46.9 Million Americans including 555,000 Oregonians to travel to enjoy fireworks and fun on Independence Day

PORTLAND, Ore., – AAA projects a record-breaking 46.9 million Americans (14.3 percent of the population) will travel 50 or more miles away from home this Independence Day holiday, the highest travel volume for the holiday since AAA started tracking 18 years ago and a 5.3 percent increase compared to last year. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 8.

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In the Pacific Region, (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA), 7.2 million are expected to travel, up 5.4 percent compared to last year. In Oregon, roughly 555,000 people are expected to take a 4th of July getaway.

“The 4th of July is traditionally the busiest travel holiday of the summer. This is the fifth year in a row we’re seeing an increase in the number of travelers for the holiday,” says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds. “Confident consumers with additional disposable income will enjoy fireworks, family and fun, building on an already busy summer travel season.”

Car travel is most popular

The vast majority will drive to their holiday destinations. Nationally, 85 percent of holiday travelers (39.7 million) will drive to their holiday destinations, nearly two million more automobile travelers and an increase of 5.1 percent compared to 2017.

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In the Pacific Region, 79 percent of travelers (5.7 million) plan to travel by car, an increase of 4.8 percent.

Gas prices stabilizing heading into Independence Day

Gas prices have slowly but steadily been falling since Memorial Day weekend but are about 60 cents a gallon more than a year ago.

The current national average for regular unleaded is $2.85, and Oregon’s average is $3.30.

Independence Day Gas Prices 2007 - 2017

The higher pump prices are having little effect on travelers this Independence Day, with a record number of people still planning to hit the road this year. Travelers who are concerned about the budget impact of higher gas prices are not cancelling trips but making cutbacks in other areas, such as dining out less or visiting more moderately priced restaurants, choosing moderately priced lodging, cutting back on entertainment, activities and shopping, etc.

Best, worst times to drive

The best times to leave are the early mornings. The busiest time on the roadways will be Tuesday afternoon, July 3 as commuters and holiday travelers hit the highways. Peak congestion is expected between about 3 and 6:30 p.m. AAA and INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, predict travel times could be twice as long as the normal trip.

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“With a record number of travelers, roadways will be crowded in the days leading up to and after July 4th,” says Dodds. “Give yourself extra time to reach your destination and know that you’ll have plenty of company. And put that emergency kit in your car, just in case!”

Summer Emergency Car Kit

Record air travel, lowest fares in five years

A record-breaking 3.8 million people (8 percent of travelers) will travel by air, a 7.9 percent increase and the ninth year of consecutive air travel volume increases for the Independence Day holiday.

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In the Pacific Region, 932,000 (12.9 percent of travelers) will fly to their destinations, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to 2017. The Pacific Region typically sees a higher share travel by air compared to other regions, and this is the case for this Independence Day. This area is more spread out geographically than other parts of the U.S. so flying can be more convenient for travelers here.

Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes cost nine percent less this Independence Day with an average ticket of $171 compared to $187 last year, according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index. That is the lowest Independence Day airfare in five years.

Travel by other modes of transportation including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 5.8 percent to 3.5 million.

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Get to the Airport Early

Airports will be busy over the Independence Day travel period so security lines will likely be longer than usual. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. Know what you can and cannot bring with you through security by visiting the TSA website. Consider enrolling in programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to expedite the security process.

Lodging costs, rental car rates rise

Hotels costs are more expensive this year. AAA Three Diamond Rated hotels will average $187 per night up from $183 last year, a two percent increase. AAA Two Diamond Rated hotels will average $147 nightly compared to $132 a year ago, an 11 percent increase.

Daily car rental rates will average $66 up from $65 last year, a two percent increase.

AAA to the rescue

AAA expects to help more than 362,000 motorists nationally and about 4,500 in Oregon over the Independence Day travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires.

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AAA says check the condition of your battery and tires before heading out on a holiday getaway and have vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the nearly 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown. Visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance. Members can visit AAA.com/battery to schedule a complimentary battery check.

Top Independence Day Destinations:

While the majority of travelers are planning a Fourth of July road trip, many others will take advantage of the holiday and travel farther from home.

These are the top domestic destinations for AAA Oregon/Idaho this Independence Day weekend, based on AAA.com and AAA travel agency sales:

  1. Seattle, Washington
  2. Los Angeles/Anaheim, California
  3. Las Vegas, Nevada
  4. San Diego, California
  5. Maui, Hawaii
  6. Orlando, Florida
  7. New York, New York
  8. Lake Tahoe, California
  9. Washington D.C.
  10. Boston, Massachusetts

“Other top regional destinations for Independence Day include the Oregon coast, central Oregon, Crater Lake, California’s Bay area, and British Columbia,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Vice President of Travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Top international destinations for AAA Oregon/Idaho are:

  1. Rome, Italy
  2. Vancouver, British Columbia
  3. Dublin, Ireland
  4. London, England
  5. Paris, France
  6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
  7. Barcelona, Spain
  8. Munich Germany
  9. Bangkok, Thailand
  10. Reykjavik, Iceland

Download the AAA Mobile app before an Independence Day getaway

Before setting out for Independence Day, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices and closest EV charging stations , access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

With the AAA Mobile app, travelers can also find nearly 59,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants via TripTik Travel Planner. AAA’s is the only rating system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA Holiday Projections

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Market 2018 Independence Day holiday travel forecast can be found here.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 58 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited at AAA.com.

 

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