Buffalo, NY (WBEN) AAA estimates 47.7 million Americans will take to the nation's roadways and skies this Independence Day weekend, bringing it to near pre-pandemic levels. 9 in 10 will be driving.
Elizabeth Carey says there's a pent-up demand for travel, a reason for a rebound. "People have wanted to go places, and they had limited opportunities last year. They've been separated from their families, so it's great to see people getting together again," says Carey, noting vaccinations have allowed this to happen.
Carey says 91 percent of travelers will be driving, despite higher gas prices. "It's the highest in seven years. Even if gas prices are more than three dollars a gallon, it's not going to stop them," says Carey. She says travelers will take other steps to save money, such as cooking a meal one day. "Of course, (prices) dropped last year because demand was so low at the height of the pandemic, but we're seeing three dollars a gallon for the first time in a while," which might lead to some sticker shock.
Carey expects this will be the highest road travel weekend since AAA began tracking them.
Where are some hot spots? "We're seeing a lot of people going to beaches, some going to Florida. Others want experiences so they're going to national parks, some all the way across the country," notes Carey.
Another 620,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes this Independence Day, an increase of over 72% compared to last year, but 83% lower than in 2019. AAA says cruise lines have announced limited sailings resuming from U.S. ports beginning in late June.
