TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – AAA is projecting strong travel volume for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

Nearly 700,000 Kansans are expected to take trips of 50 miles or more from their homes across the upcoming holiday weekend, which runs from June 28 to July 6.

That number wells to better than 72 million across the United States.

AAA is projecting strong travel volume for the upcoming Independence Day holiday. (Submitted)

“Travelers are gearing up for a busy Fourth of July travel period across the Sunflower State,” said Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Kansas. “With a wide majority of travelers going by car, AAA is reminding Kansans to follow the rules of the road, always stay sober behind the wheel, be courteous to other road users and remember to buckle up―everyone, every time, every trip ― before heading down the road.”

AAA is also reminding drivers not to be distracted, especially by using mobile phones while they are behind the wheel.

“Phones should be set to ‘do not disturb,’” Steward said. “Set the navigation, climate control and infotainment controls before leaving the driveway.”

Steward also advised people to get out of their cars to take breaks on longer trips.

“Instead of going through a fast-food drive-through,” he said, “take a break from the roadway and go inside the restaurant to eat. Not only will that cut down on driving fatigue, but it will also keep food and beverage from becoming a distraction.”

Last summer, AAA Emergency Roadside Service crews responded to nearly 21,000 calls for assistance in Kansas alone. Drivers are reminded to be sure their vehicle is up to date on regular maintenance or bring it to a car care center before hitting the road. Getting the battery checked by a qualified technician and checking tire pressure and tread also are recommended before hitting the road.

“Tires and batteries are some of the most common problems that interrupt summer travel,” Steward noted.

The vast majority of travelers will take to their roadways in cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles, while others will opt for planes, trains and cruise ships.

“While a majority of Kansans are traveling by car, airports will be busy as well,” Steward said. “Those planning to take to the skies should download the airline’s app ahead of time so they can stay on top of any flight or gate changes.

“Get to the airport in plenty of time ahead of your boarding time. Expect airport security lines to be longer over the Fourth of July travel period. And, don’t forget your Real ID-compliant form of identification, most often a Real ID or passport, to avoid problems moving through security.”

Here’s a quick look at some of the numbers, trends and tips from AAA for Independence Day 2025:

692,151 – Number of Kansans who will travel 50 miles or more from home for the Independence Day holiday travel period, an increase of 2% from 2024.

84.5% – Percentage of Kansas travelers who will drive to their Independence Day holiday destination. The 585,209 road trippers represent a 1.2% increase from last year.

26,735 – Number of Kansans who will take to the skies. This is a slight decrease of -0.6% compared to last year.

2.7% – Percentage of Kansans opting to travel by train, bus, cruise and other modes of transportation for the Fourth of July holiday period.

72.2 million – Number of travelers nationwide AAA projects will travel during the Independence Day holiday travel period, a 2.4% increase compared to 2024.

85.3% – Percentage of travelers nationwide who will drive to their Independence Day destinations. The 61.6 million travelers across the country represents a 2.2% increase over 2024.

8.1% – Percentage of travelers nationwide who will fly. The 5.84 million taking to the skies represent a 1.3% increase over 2024.

4.78 million – Number of travelers nationwide who will travel by cruise, train, bus or other mode of transportation over the Fourth of July holiday, a 7.2% increase over 2024.

Road Travel Trends, Tips and Safety Reminders

11th – Ranking of Kansas in the lowest average gas prices in the nation. (As of 6/24/25)

$2.92 – Kansas average cost per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, as of 6/24/25, about 12 cents less than the average one year ago.

$3.22 – National average gas price as of 6/24/25.

1,085 – Number of speeding citations issued by the Kansas Highway Patrol during the 2024 Independence Day travel period, July 3 to 7.

16 – Number of DUI arrests by the KHP during the 2024 Independence Day travel period, July 3 to 7.

30 – Number of fatalities from vehicle crashes in Kansas during the Independence Day holiday period 2019 to 2023, with 11 of those deaths alcohol-related.

2,077 – Total number of vehicle crashes in Kansas over the Independence Day holiday travel period from 2019 to 2023, with 793 injuries resulting from those crashes.

“In addition to avoiding distractions, drivers should pack their patience,” Steward said. “There’s no place for aggression behind the wheel. Keep anger in check. If you see another driver being discourteous, don’t take matters into your own hands. It’s not your job to correct the driving behaviors of others. Save the fireworks for the community celebration.”

Best and Worst Times to Drive

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest days on the road. Afternoon hours will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but keep in mind construction, crashes, or severe weather could impact travel times. Watch for stopped vehicles and Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders.

AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations

The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. Cruises, beaches, and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these cities. Alaska cruises are in peak season, Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for their resorts and attractions, and New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation. Internationally, Vancouver tops the list, followed by Europe’s most in-demand cities during the summer.

Travel Cost Trends

4% – Increase in the average cost, $810, of domestic flights over the Independence Day travel period compared to 2024.

4% – Decrease in the cost of international flights over the Fourth of July holiday compared to 2024, now averaging $1,365.

11% – Decrease in price of domestic hotels this Independence Day compared to last year, at an average cost of $590.

8% – Increase in the price of international hotels this Independence Day compared to last year, at an average booking cost of $785 for a few night’s stay.

2% – Decrease in the cost of a domestic car rental, with an average booking cost (typically several days) of $670 total.

40% – Increase in the cost of cruises departing from domestic cities compared to Independence Day 2024, with an average cost of $2,065.

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