COLUMBUS – More than 47.9 million Americans, including a record 2.2 million Ohioans, will travel this Independence Day holiday weekend (June 30 - July 4). This is an increase of 3.7% nationally and 3.8% for Ohio.
While national travel numbers are expected to fall shy of 2019, AAA expects Ohio travel will build on the record travel numbers set in 2021 to reach a new high this Independence Day.
“The volume of travelers 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 of AAA 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.”
Road trips
Despite historically high gas prices, a record number of people are planning a holiday road trip, with 42 million Americans (nearly 2.1 million Ohioans) hitting the road this Independence Day travel period.
According to INRIX, Saturday, July 2, will see the worst travel times from 2-4 p.m., whereas the best times will be before noon and after 7 p.m. On Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, low congestion is expected all day.
Air travel
AAA predicts Ohio air travel numbers will fall 1.2% compared to last Independence Day, with just over 70,000 Ohioans flying during the five-day holiday period. Higher flight costs, recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancellations and delays may be pushing more people to drive this year.
Travel Costs
- Air: AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 14% more than last year coming in at $201/ticket.
- Hotels: Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 23%, with the average lowest nightly rates coming in at $244/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
- Car rentals: While daily car rental rates have decreased 34% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $110/day, rates are $40 more/day on average than in 2019.
Top destinations
Top domestic Independence Day travel destinations include Orlando, Fla.; Seattle; New York; Anaheim, Calif.; Anchorage, Alaska; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Las Vegas; Honolulu; Denver; and Chicago.
