This Fourth of July, Expected to See a Record-Breaking Number of Travelers

This Fourth of July is expected to see a record-breaking number of 70.9 million travelers. More Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day thanks to the summer vacations. Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu, and Miami are the most popular domestic destinations and will see crowds this year.

An additional 2.8 million people will hit the highways this year compared to last year, bringing the total number of car travelers to a record-breaking 60.6 million. According to AAA partner Hertz, rental car companies are experiencing the highest demand in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco.

An estimated 5.74 million people will be flying, a 7% increase from last year. Thankfully, domestic airfare is slightly cheaper this year. Experts advise hitting the road early to avoid the worst of the traffic jam, especially between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 3rd and 4th, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

The Fourth of July, with its roots tracing back to a spontaneous celebration by Philadelphians marking the first anniversary of independence, holds a significant place in American history. After the War of 1812, the annual observation of the holiday became a national tradition. Later, a law passed by Congress on June 28th, 1870, made Independence Day a federal holiday.