By // June 23, 2021

3.5 million people who want to fly on this Independence Day, air travel volume

ABOVE VIDEO: Travel continues to recover after a year-long pandemic. AAA predicts that Independence Day travel volume will be the second highest on record, nearing 2019 highs.

Cruise lines have announced that limited voyages will be commencing from US ports beginning in late June.

(AAA) – Travel continues to recover after a year-long pandemic. AAA predicts that Independence Day travel volume will be the second highest on record, nearing 2019 highs.

More than 47.7 million Americans will take at least one domestic trip on Independence Day (July 1-5). This corresponds to an increase of almost 40% compared to the previous year, but only 2.5% less than on the 2019 holiday weekend.

The travel figures in Florida are also recovering from last year. Almost 2.6 million Floridians are expected to take a trip over the holiday weekend. That is the second most frequent record and 36% more than in the 2020 holiday season.

“Travel is back this summer as Americans eagerly pursue their vacation, which they have postponed for the past year and a half,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We saw strong demand for travel around Memorial Day and the beginning of summer, and all signs are now pointing to a busy Independence Day.”

While all types of travel will experience increased demand on Independence Day, road trips will continue to dominate this summer. Despite the highest gasoline prices in seven years, more than 91% of vacation trips will be by car. (AAA image)

While all types of travel will experience increased demand on Independence Day, road trips will continue to dominate this summer. Despite the highest gasoline prices in seven years, more than 91% of vacation trips will be by car.

An expected 43.6 million Americans (2.4 million Floridians) will head to their destinations, the highest record for the holiday and 5% more than the previous record in 2019.

“Road trips offer a feeling of freedom and more control over the length of your trip,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Even more expensive gasoline prices are unlikely to deter Americans from this road trip that many have waited for more than a year. If anything, drivers are more likely to cut other expenses such as accommodation and restaurants to offset the higher fuel costs. “

Gas prices are the most expensive since 2014

The 2.4 million Florida residents expected to travel by car are likely to find the most expensive gasoline prices on Independence Day since 2014. Over the past few years, gasoline prices in Florida averaged $ 2.11 (2020), $ 2.68 (2019), $ 2.73 (2018), $ 2.15 (2017). , $ 2.23 (2016), $ 2.67 (2015), and $ 3.60 (2014) on Independence Day.

On Monday, June 21, Florida gas prices averaged $ 2.94 per gallon. To check daily average gas prices, visit GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA members can save gasoline by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Save 30 cents a gallon on your first tank of Shell at Shell when you join between July 1st and August 31st, 2021. Sign up now at AAA.com/Shell.

Air travel takes off

With 3.5 million air travelers, the volume of air travel on this Independence Day will reach 90% of the level before the pandemic and increase by 164% compared to the previous year.

On average, flight prices for the holiday season have fallen by 2% compared to the last Independence Day. The lowest average price per ticket is $ 175. That’s $ 4 less than last year and $ 13 less than the 2019 holiday weekend.

Cruise comeback

An additional 620,000 Americans are expected to use other modes of transport on Independence Day, an increase of over 72% year over year but 83% less than 2019. That includes bus, rail and return cruises. Cruise lines have announced that limited voyages will be commencing from US ports beginning in late June.

The booking data from AAA Travel also suggest a strong travel recovery for the summer. (AAA image)

“AAA is excited to see the cruises return, and so do our travelers,” Haas continued.

“AAA Travel Advisors have seen increasing demand for cruises and staterooms are filling up quickly. While cruise lines have made tremendous strides to ensure the safety of their crew and passengers, traveler requirements can vary based on who you are sailing with and where you plan to go. This currently also applies to many facets of travel. For this reason, we strongly recommend that travelers work with a travel agent who can keep you updated and find the trip that is right for you. “

Top travel destinations and resources to help you plan your trip

The booking data from AAA Travel also suggest a strong travel recovery for the summer. Theme parks in Orlando and Southern California, as well as destinations like Denver, Las Vegas and Seattle are high on the list of Independence Day destinations this year.

Top Independence Day Destinations:

■ Orlando, FL
■ Anaheim, California
■ Denver, CO
■ Las Vegas, Nevada
■ Seattle, WA
■ Chicago, IL
■ New York, NY
■ Atlanta, GA
■ Boston, MA
■ Kahului, Maui, HI

* Based on AAA Travel advance bookings for flights and tours July 1-5, 2021

When planning a trip, refer to the new AAA Digital TourBook Guides now available for destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean at TourBook.AAA.com.

The new interactive travel guides are available on smartphones, tablets or desktops and offer detailed information on travel destinations, sights, sample routes and more.

Long delays expected for drivers

INRIX, working with AAA, predicts that drivers will experience the worst of traffic jams before the holiday weekend, as commuters leave work earlier and mingle with vacationers along with the return trip on Monday lunchtime. In major subway areas in the US, delays could almost double compared to typical travel times.

“As travelers enjoy taking to the streets this summer, we expect nationwide traffic to increase by about 15% from normal this holiday weekend. Drivers in large subway areas have to be prepared for significantly more delays, ”says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where traffic jams arise can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic. Our advice is to avoid traveling on Thursday and Friday afternoons as well as on Monday lunchtimes. “

Worst and best travel times
■ Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. After 7:00 p.m.
■ Friday 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Before 12:00 p.m.
■ Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm After 2:00 pm
■ Free flow expected on Sunday
■ Monday 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Before 1:00 p.m.

Travelers: Prepare for higher prices

As demand increases, travelers can expect higher prices for hotels and rental cars. Mid-range hotel rates are up between 32% and 35%, with average room rates ranging from $ 156 to $ 398 for AAA Two Diamond and AAA Three Diamond hotels, respectively.

Daily rental car prices are up 86% from last Independence Day and are now at $ 166. Consumers have experienced high costs and limited rental car availability in some markets as chip scarcity affects automakers.

This production delay has had a ripple effect as rental car companies work to increase their inventory of new vehicles in time to meet the increased demand for domestic road transport.

To meet the needs of today’s travelers, AAA is upgrading its Diamond inspections. Hotels that meet AAA standards for cleanliness, condition and new surface cleanliness tests are now recognized as Inspected Clean and then receive the Diamond award.

Before each hotel stay, call to make sure your hotel is open and ask what precautions are being taken to protect guests.

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