Record number of travelers expected during 4th of July holiday
The 4th of July holiday is gearing up to be a busy one, with a record 44 million expected to travel.
That equates to about 1.25 million more than last year, the AAA says.
It says 37.5 million Americans will drive at least 50 miles to their destination, while 3.44 million will crowd the nation’s airports for their Independence Day vacation.
"Combined, strong employment, rising incomes and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend," said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, travel and publishing.
"A historic 44.2 million Americans will travel to celebrate our nation’s freedom this year, adding to an already bustling summer travel season."
The Independence Day holiday travel period itself lasts from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, airfares for the top 40 domestic air routes are down by about 10%.
The average round trip fare is $186.
Daily car rental rates are an average $65, which is 14% lower than last year but hotel rates are about the same as last year, AAA said.
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