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Record-Breaking Travel Anticipated During Fourth of July Holiday

A crowded highway scene during the Fourth of July holiday

News Summary

A record-setting 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during Fourth of July, according to AAA predictions. This signifies a 1.7 million increase from last year and 7 million from pre-pandemic levels. The majority of travelers are opting for road trips, with gas prices projected to be the lowest since 2021, helping to save Americans an estimated $500 million. Flight travel and other transportation methods are also on the rise. With traffic management in place, travelers are advised to prepare accordingly.

Atlanta, Georgia – A record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Fourth of July holiday, according to predictions from AAA. This marks the highest number recorded for Independence Day travel, reinforcing the trend of increasing domestic travel as summer heats up. The travel period, which commenced on June 28, is expected to extend through July 6.

Domestic travel is set to rise by 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, and by an impressive 7 million over pre-pandemic levels61.6 million Americans likely traveling by car, this represents a 2.2% increase from 2024, making road trips a dominant choice for holiday travelers.

Gas prices are also expected to contribute to this surge in travel, with costs projected to be the lowest seen since 2021. As of the holiday period, the national average for gas is forecasted to reach around $3.15 per gallon, while states like Georgia are experiencing prices as low as $2.93 per gallon. This decrease in fuel expenses could lead to a saving of approximately $500 million for Americans compared to last year’s Fourth of July.

Approximately 5.84 million people are projected to fly to their destinations, which marks a 1.4% increase from the previous record set last year. Travel via bus, train, or cruise is also on the rise, with an estimated 4.78 million travelers utilizing these modes of transport, reflecting a 7.4% increase compared to 2024.

The most popular domestic travel spots for Independence Day festivities are anticipated to include Orlando, Florida; Seattle, Washington; and New York City.

Traffic Management and Safety Concerns

Georgia State Patrol is deploying all available troopers to manage traffic and ensure safety on the roads. Troopers will monitor for speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations. They will be stationed on highways and state routes, participating in radar enforcement from overpasses.

Major traffic congestion is predicted for the afternoons of July 2 and July 6, leading authorities to recommend that travelers opt for morning journeys to avoid the worst of the delays. Travelers are also encouraged to steer clear of peak congestion times on major routes such as I-20 West and I-16 West to simplify their travel experience.

Travel Preparations

AAA advises travelers to conduct routine vehicle maintenance prior to embarking on trips and to pack an emergency kit. This is especially relevant given that nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls were made last year. Increased concerns regarding distracted driving are notable, particularly with the rising use of mobile devices for watching videos while driving.

As the holiday approaches, the weather might also play a role in travel plans. A tropical disturbance could bring heavy rain to areas of Florida and south Georgia during the holiday period, potentially complicating plans for travelers headed to those regions.

Impact on Local Economies

In addition to travel trends, a new Buc-ee’s travel center has opened in Brunswick, Georgia, just ahead of the holiday. This establishment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy, catering to the increased demand for services from the surge in travelers.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, several factors—from travel volume to gas prices—highlight an enthusiastic return to pre-pandemic travel habits, promising a bustling holiday for families and communities across the nation.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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