AAA: 72 million people expected to travel on the fourth
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Old Records Go Up in Smoke as 72.2 Million Americans Play July 4th Getaway
72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for food, fireworks, and family vacations this Independence Day. To avoid peak congestion, drivers should try to be on the road before noon on their selected travel day. 61.6 million will go by car, or 85% of the total. Nearly 6 million will fly and just shy of 5 million will going by cruise ship, bus, or train. On average, Idaho families could save on hotels and rental cars over the holiday, but they may pay more in the air or aboard ship:Domestic flights are 4% more expensive over the 4 th of July holiday than a year ago; domestic car rentals are 2% cheaper than ayear ago. The worst days to travel are Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6.
“If you’re having company over, plan on throwing a few more hotdogs on the grill,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “About 1.7 million more people will travel for Independence Day than just a year ago. To borrow from an old saying, the early bird will avoid the most traffic and the longest TSA security lines.”
The Independence Day travel period runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. To avoid peak congestion, drivers should try to be on the road before noon on their selected travel day. The worst days to travel are Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6.
By the numbers
Of the 72.2 million travelers – a new record for the holiday – 61.6 million will go by car, or 85% of the total. Nearly 6 million will fly and just shy of 5 million will go by cruise ship, bus, or train. In the process, AAA projects new records for both automobile and air travel.
Where are Idahoans going?
This year’s top 4th of July destinations include:
Anaheim/Los Angeles Las Vegas, Nevada Yellowstone National Park Hawaii Salt Lake City, UT Oregon Coast Seattle, WA Denver, CO San Diego, CA Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
AAA’s list of the 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the Summer can be found here.
Independence Day travel costs
While, on average, Idaho families could save on hotels and rental cars over the holiday, they may pay more in the air or aboard ship:
Domestic flights are 4% more expensive over the 4 th of July holiday than a year ago
of July holiday than a year ago Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper than a year ago
Domestic car rentals are 2% cheaper than a year ago
Cruises departing from domestic cities are 40% more expensive than a year ago
“While not quite to record levels as other modes of travel, cruises are back in a big way. But there are only so many ships and only so many cabins,” Conde said. “When demand jumps for the most popular bookings, prices tend to go up as well – in particular, Alaska cruises are in peak season.”
AAA travel tips
Do the basics – make sure your battery, engine, and tires are ready for the road.
Keep one change of clothes, medications, and important documents in your carry-on bag if you must check baggage at the airport.
Download the airline app for the latest information on flights and arrive earlier than usual.
Arrive early for the best seats when viewing a public fireworks display.
Make reservations to avoid long waits at your preferred restaurant.
Get inspiration from AAA TourBooks, the AAA mobile app, and AAA Trip Canvas.
“Remember – if you want to get away from it all, don’t bring it all with you. Focus on packing things you’ll really use and leave the rest at home,” Conde said. “Besides, you may need the room in your trunk or suitcase for a few souvenirs.”
AAA projects record traffic for Fourth of July weekend
Triple A Northeast predicts more than 72 million Americans will hit the road this year. With Independence Day falling on a Friday, experts are accounting for two full weekends in their travel forecasts. Wednesday, July 2nd is the worst day to be on the roadway, and the worse travel times to be all the way till 9 p.m., says Mark Schieldrop, the senior spokesperson for Triple A Northeast. They expect a one and a half travel increase compared to last year.
Mark Schieldrop, the senior spokesperson for Triple A Northeast, tells Western Mass News this year the holiday goes from June 28th – July 6th and their predictions are a little different.
“Our forecast is singling out Wednesday, July 2nd as probably the worst day to be on the roadway, and the worse travel times to be all the way till 9 p.m.,” Schieldrop told us.
While you may think travel will slow down due to factors like increased gas prices, due to conflicts in the Middle East or inflation, Schieldrop says people are really making travel a priority this summer. They expect a one and a half travel increase compared to last year.
“They may be cutting costs in other areas, they might be feeling the pinch, overall economically, but travel is something they’re moving things around and finding a way to make things happen,” Schieldrop said.
Some other travel trends that Triple A predicts for the summer of 2025 include:
Reduction in foreign travel for Americans
Less foreigners coming to the U.S. like Canadian tourists
Higher pricing for European flights and accommodations
Schieldrop says it’s also a busy year for construction, which drivers should be mindful of for safety purposes but also to plan ahead for longer travel times.
“As we know if you drop a lane on a major freeway, that can lead to a significant backup, so I would give myself maybe 30-60 more minutes of time to get where I need to go on top of your normal time,” he added.
Of course, Schieldrop says most people will be traveling by car, right around 61.1 million people.
Copyright 2025. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
Attention Disney-Bound: 4.3 Million Warned Against Visiting
AAA just released its summer forecast, and the numbers are jaw-dropping: more than 4 million Floridians are expected to travel during the July 4th weekend. Of those, the majority will be hitting the road, while hundreds of thousands more will fly or take alternate transportation. Nationwide, more than 72 million Americans will be traveling—an increase of nearly 2 million compared to 2024. For those planning a Disney vacation it could bring some of the heaviest conditions seen in recent memory. Just soak in the magic, grab your mouse ears, and grab an extra dose of pixie dust. You’re going to need it. The parks are already operating near capacity during peak seasons.Massive road travel into Central Florida means bottlenecks near park entrances, and longer-than-usual lines for buses, shuttles, and security checks. Just make sure you leave early, stay alert, and stay on the move.
Sound dramatic? It’s not. It’s what travelers might face this Fourth of July as Florida braces for one of its busiest travel weekends in history.
Why is this year so different—and what could it mean for your Disney vacation?
Watch Out Disney World Tourists: Over 4 Million Floridians Will Be on the Move
AAA just released its summer forecast, and the numbers are jaw-dropping: more than 4 million Floridians are expected to travel during the July 4th weekend. Of those, the majority will be hitting the road, while hundreds of thousands more will fly or take alternate transportation.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL | More than 4 million people are expected to drive over the holiday weekend, with almost 330,000 Floridians flying domestically. – @WFLA on X
HOLIDAY TRAVEL | More than 4 million people are expected to drive over the holiday weekend, with almost 330,000 Floridians flying domestically. Details: https://t.co/P8jvKjBhoI pic.twitter.com/62noAC7icG — WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) June 20, 2025
And this isn’t just a state issue. Nationwide, more than 72 million Americans will be traveling—an increase of nearly 2 million compared to 2024.
Debbie Haas, AAA’s Vice President of Travel, explains: “With Independence Day landing on a Friday this year, people are using the long weekend to create extended vacations and reconnect with family.”
But for anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World, that “extended getaway” may come with a serious side of congestion.
Why It Matters for Disney Vacationers
Orlando is already one of the most popular summer destinations in the U.S., and Walt Disney World is its crown jewel. The parks are already operating near capacity during peak seasons—and a holiday weekend like this one only amplifies the pressure.
Massive road travel into Central Florida means gridlock on highways like I-4, bottlenecks near park entrances, and longer-than-usual lines for buses, shuttles, and security checks.
And while some Florida travelers will head to events like PhilFest 2025 or explore the upcoming Florida State Fair’s new thrill attractions, many will still descend on Disney parks. That’s especially true with new summer entertainment and nighttime shows drawing in local guests.
Disney Guest Survival Tips
If you’re heading to the parks over the holiday, consider this your warning and your game plan:
Arrive early and expect delays. Use GPS apps with real-time alerts and avoid peak travel times.
Stay at a Disney resort to cut down on external transit and guarantee early park entry.
Make Lightning Lane and dining reservations now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Carry water, snacks, and mobile chargers —you may need them even before reaching the park gates.
Be flexible. Crowds, wait times, and weather can shift plans fast.
Beyond the Parks: A Bigger Tourism Picture
This historic surge in travel signals more than just a crowded weekend. It reflects the continued rebound of tourism post-COVID—and Florida’s unique role as a prime domestic destination. As more Americans favor road trips over international travel, Florida’s attractions—from beaches to theme parks—become the default choice.
But with that boom comes new questions. Can the roads, resorts, and emergency services handle these surges long term? Are parks ready for the operational strain?
The Disney World Magic Lives on Through Independence Day
This 4th of July may bring more than just patriotic parades and firework finales. For those planning a Disney vacation, it could also bring some of the heaviest traffic and most crowded conditions seen in recent memory.
So go ahead—wear your stars and stripes, grab your mouse ears, and soak in the magic. Just make sure you leave early, stay alert, and pack an extra dose of pixie dust.
You’re going to need it.