Friday, June 21, 2024
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This Independence Day, Tennessee is gearing up for record-breaking travel with 1.6 million residents expected to travel 50 miles or more. Nationwide, AAA projects over 70.9 million travelers, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge highlights a robust travel season spurred by rising consumer confidence and steady economic growth.
AAA anticipates a bustling summer travel period from June 29 to July 7, driven by increasing consumer spending and confidence. Despite inflation concerns, Americans are spending 5.5% more on travel compared to last year, contributing to an overall GDP growth of 2.5%. This upward trend is evident in Tennessee, where road travel will see 1.4 million residents hitting the highways, a record high for the second consecutive year.
Road Travel and Gas Prices
With 60.6 million Americans choosing to travel by car, road congestion is expected to peak, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. AAA advises travelers to prepare for traffic, especially around major metro areas, theme parks, and popular attractions. Gas prices, though slightly lower than last year’s $3.06 per gallon in Tennessee, could fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions or potential hurricanes affecting oil rigs and refineries.
“Patience and caution are key for road travelers,” says Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With the increase in road travel, it’s crucial to minimize distractions and move over for roadside assistance vehicles.”
Air Travel and Other Modes of Transportation
Air travel is also set to reach new heights, with 5.74 million Americans flying to their destinations, a 7% increase from last year. AAA’s data shows a slight decrease in domestic airfare, averaging $800 for a roundtrip ticket. Airports will be crowded, and AAA recommends arriving two hours early, reserving parking in advance, and opting for carry-on luggage to save time and money.
Other travel modes, including buses, cruises, and trains, will see 4.6 million travelers, a 9% increase from last year. Cruises, particularly to Alaska, are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top destinations. “Cruising continues to experience remarkable growth,” notes Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Working with a Travel Advisor can help secure the best deals and travel insurance to protect your investment.”
National Independence Day Travel Figures
| Year | Total (million) | Auto (million) | Air (million) | Other (million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Forecast) | 70.9 | 60.6 | 5.7 | 4.6 |
| 2023 | 67.4 | 57.8 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| 2019 | 65.2 | 55.3 | 5.1 | 4.8 |
Tennessee Independence Day Travel Volumes
| Year | Total (million) | Auto (million) | Air | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Forecast) | 1.6 | 1.4 | 71,806 | 71,975 |
| 2023 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 67,810 | 66,934 |
| 2022 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 55,261 | 53,306 |
Peak Congestion and Best Travel Times
According to INRIX, a transportation data and insights provider, the worst times to travel by car are between 2 PM and 7 PM. Drivers should aim to travel in the morning and avoid rush hours on Monday, July 8th. Major metro areas like Atlanta and Los Angeles will experience significant traffic delays, with road trips taking up to 67% longer than usual. Monitoring local traffic updates and using travel apps can help navigate these congested periods.
Top Destinations and Family Travel Tips
Popular destinations this July 4th include the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and various beach locales such as South Florida and Honolulu. European cities like London, Rome, and Paris are also high on travelers’ lists. With road trips setting new records, AAA and Chicco offer safety tips for families with young children, emphasizing the importance of proper car seat installation and securing loose items in the car.
Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology
AAA’s travel forecast is developed in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, using data on economic variables like employment, consumer spending, and travel trends. This year’s forecast, prepared in late May, anticipates record travel volumes based on historical data and current economic indicators. The nine-day travel period from June 29 to July 7 includes two weekends, a first for the Independence Day holiday forecast.
As travel numbers soar, AAA’s mission remains to protect and advance mobility, providing services such as roadside assistance and travel planning to its 13 million members across 14 states and two U.S. territories.
