41.9 Million Americans Will Take An Independence Day Vacation

Approximately 844,000 Tennesseans will travel; 90 percent will drive.

TAMPA, Fla., (June 25, 2015) – AAA projects 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5.

“The freedom of summer means families can take extended vacations and, historically, that makes Independence Day the busiest summer travel holiday,” said Joy Dixon, Tennessee Director of Travel, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This is the largest number of Independence Day travelers since the great recession and it is encouraging news for the recovering economy and the travel industry.”

Rising income, driven by a strong employment market, is prompting more Americans to take a holiday trip this year. Despite recent seasonal increases, gas prices remain well below year-ago levels, which has helped boost Americans’ disposable income.

“Motorists are seeing prices lower at the pump than this time last year, which is encouraging families to pay down, put more in savings and travel,” said Don Lindsey, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For the 35.5 million people planning a road trip this Independence Day, they can expect gas prices to be the lowest in at least five years.”

Highlights from 2015 Independence Day Travel Forecast

The 2015 Independence Day forecast is expected to mark the highest travel volume for the holiday in 8 years, since 2007.
The increase in travelers is driven by rising incomes, a strong employment market, and low gas prices.
Tennessee motorists will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. The state average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.57 yesterday (June 24) – 88 cents lower than the average price for Independence Day last year ($3.45).
More than 84 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will go by automobile, an increase of 0.7 percent from last Independence Day.
Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.2 million leisure travelers.
Other modes of transportation will increase 0.5 percent to 3.2 million – 3,000 fewer passengers than air travel.
Airfares are up 6 percent compared to 2014
Hotel rates are forecast to be 6-9 percent higher than 2014
All-American road trips remain popular for Independence Day

Nearly 85 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will drive to their holiday destinations, an increase of 0.7 percent. Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million leisure travelers. Travel by other modes of transportation including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 0.5 percent this Independence Day, to 3.2 million.

Lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years expected

Despite recent seasonal increases in the price of gas, travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower prices compared to recent years. Most drivers will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. Tennessee motorists will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. The state average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.57 yesterday (June 24) – 88 cents lower than the average price for Independence Day last year ($3.45).

Holiday travel expenses on the rise

Travelers will encounter moderately higher lodging rates and airfares this Independence Day. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, the average nightly stay in a Two Diamond hotel is six percent higher this year at $145, while Three Diamond hotels will cost nine percent more, averaging $195. Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are six percent higher this Independence Day, climbing to $227.