AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) over last year and 7 million more than in 2019. To better reflect holiday travel trends, AAA’s forecast now accounts for two weekends, capturing extended trips and varied departure schedules.
AAA estimates 61.6 million Americans will drive—a 2.2% increase from last year and the highest number ever recorded. 1.3 million more road travelers are expected compared to 2024.
Drivers should prepare their vehicles in advance, as AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s holiday period for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.
Gas prices are likely to fluctuate before Independence Day. Last week, oil prices surged in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, increasing gasoline production costs. While analysts suggest this may be a short-term reaction, it’s too early to know whether prices will stabilize before the holiday. Nebraska drivers are currently paying an average $2.94 across the state and drivers in Iowa are paying on average $3.04 That is approximately $0.18 and $0.15 cents per gallon respectively less per gallon than last year’s holiday.
