New York: Despite the high gas price, around 42 million people are expected to hit the road for travel over the July 4 Independence Day weekend, AAA said on Tuesday (Jun 21).
That figure, should it pan out, would surpass 2019’s peak, when 41.5 million people travelled by a vehicle on Independence Day, as per AAA.
“The volume of travellers we expect to see over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, American Automobile Association Travel. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much-needed vacation.”
Car travel volume, even with national average gas prices going over the $5 mark, will break previous records as 42 million opt to drive this Independence Day. Recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancellations and delays may be driving this increase. In fact, the share of people travelling by air will be the lowest since 2011, the association mentioned.
Including air travel, 47.9 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday period, just 2% less than 2019’s 49 million, but surpassing 2021’s levels, the travel membership organization said.
