(WWJ) -- Summer is in full-swing and travel continues to rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the country for more than a year.
AAA is forecasting travel volumes for the Fourth of July holiday weekend will be the second-highest on record, approaching the high marks set back in 2019.
The auto group predicts nearly 48 million people nationwide are expected to take a trip over the Independence Day weekend.
Here in Michigan, AAA says they’re expecting more than 1.5 million Michiganders to hit the roads and take to the air -- about 300,000 more than last year, and just 108,000 fewer than 2019 -- which would be the third-highest on record for the state.
Travel numbers were down nearly 25% from 2019 to the pandemic summer of 2020 in Michigan, but it looks like it’s rebounding as the state joined many others in fully lifting restrictions on Tuesday.
AAA says while people are more willing to return to flying this year, it’s the road trip that continues to dominate this summer, even despite the highest gas prices in seven years. AAA anticipates 91% of holiday travel will be by car.
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“Road trips provide a sense of freedom and more control over the duration of your trip,” AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland said in a press release. “Even more expensive gas prices are unlikely to deter Americans from that road trip many have waited more than a year for. If anything, motorists are more likely to cut back on other expenses like lodging and dining out, to offset the higher cost of fuel.”
It’s important for travelers to make sure they are prepared for their road trip, from planning a route to making sure their vehicle is up-to-date on maintenance. Travel tips can be found on the AAA website.
AAA says 3.5 million people are planning to fly across the country for the holiday weekend, which will reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels and increase 164% compared to 2020.
They also expect an additional 620,000 Americans to travel by other modes of transportation this Fourth of July -- by bus, train and of course the return of cruises. That’s a 72% increase over 2020, but still more than 80% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
“AAA is so excited for the return of cruising and so are our travelers,” said Debbie Haas, AAA’s Vice President for Travel. “AAA Travel Advisors have seen surging demand for cruising, and cabins are filling up fast. While cruise lines have made tremendous strides to ensure the safety and security of their crew and passengers, traveler requirements could vary based on who you sail with and where you want to go. This is also true for many facets of travel right now. Because of this, we strongly encourage travelers to work with a travel agent, who can help keep you informed and find the trip that’s right for you.”
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