AAA Travel predicts that 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
The forecast for the holiday period in 2022 would mark an increase of 3.7 percent compared to last year and would bring the volume of travel only less than those in 2019.
The data also shows that despite rising gas prices, 42 million people are expected to drive to their destinations, a new record if achieved. Recent air traffic problems and ongoing concerns about cancellations and delays may cause an increase.
“The amount of passengers we expect to see during Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is accelerating,” said AAA Travel senior vice president Paula Twidale. “Earlier this year, we started recording an increase in demand for travel and it is not decreasing. People are ready for the holidays and despite the fact that things cost more, they are finding ways to continue to take the much-needed vacation. ”
Independence Day is becoming the second busiest since 2000, as travel volume continues to grow along with prices. AAA Travel Research Fund airline tickets rose 14 percent, mid-range hotel prices rose about 23 percent, and car rental prices averaged $ 40 more per day compared to the years before the pandemic.
As for the busiest travel days, data show that July 1 is the busiest for air travel, while Thursday and Friday before the holidays are predicted to be the busiest for those driving.
“Traveling by car provides the level of comfort and flexibility that people may be looking for given the recent challenges with flying,” Twidale continued. “But not all destinations are within driving distance, which doesn’t mean you have to give up your vacation plans. The best advice we can give passengers is to consider working with a travel agency that can help plan for unexpected events – such as flight cancellations. They are your best advocate. ”
AAA Travel also broke the most popular domestic and international tourist destinations in 2022. In the United States, Orlando, Seattle, New York, Anaheim, Anchorage, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Denver and Chicago round out the top 10.
As for international destinations, Vancouver, Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, Calgary, Punta Cana, Cancun and Nassau are considered the most popular this summer.
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