By AAA // July 2, 2021
Travel volume is almost back to pre-pandemic levels
Travel continues to recover after a year-long pandemic. AAA Predicts Independence Day Travel Volume Will Be Second Highest Ever; approaching 2019 highs. (AAA image)
(AAA) – Travel continues to recover after a year-long pandemic. AAA Predicts Independence Day Travel Volume Will Be Second Highest Ever; are approaching 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’s the second most common on record, and 36% more than 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.”
Road trips to record heights
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 this 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 journey,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Even higher 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 Tuesday, June 29, Florida gas was costing nearly $ 2.98 a gallon. To check daily average gas prices, visit GasPrices.AAA.com.
AAA members who participate in the Shell Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon on every tank of fuel. If you get in between July 1 and August 31, 2021, you can save an additional 30 cents per gallon when you fill up with Shell for the first time. 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. (AAA image)
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 projected to travel by other means of transportation on Independence Day, up over 72% from last year but 83% less than in 2019.
This includes trips by bus and train, but also the return journey. Cruise lines have announced that limited voyages will be commencing from US ports beginning in late June.
“AAA is excited to see the cruises return, and so do our travelers,” Haas continued.
CDC’s extended No Sail Order will decommission cruise ships in Port Canaveral until September 2020
“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 depending on the travel partner and destination. 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 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.
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. (AAA image)
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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