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AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for the 4th of July holiday. This sets a new record, up from 71.8 million travelers last year. But the increase is 0.5% which is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively flat compared to last year, while travel by other modes, including cruises, is the category seeing the biggest increase, up 5.3% compared to last year.

About 877,000 Oregonians will travel for the 4th of July. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5.

“For many Americans, a July 4th getaway is a cherished tradition. Our AAA forecast includes travelers who are vacationing for most if not all of the nine days, those heading out for a long holiday weekend, and travelers who are taking day trips. Even as overall Independence Day travel growth begins to flatten, record numbers are still expected this year,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“Independence Day 2026 will be the busiest travel holiday of the summer as the 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, and it also marks the nation’s 250th birthday. As in prior years, most travelers will go by car. Despite gas prices at four-year highs, driving is often cheaper and offers more flexibility than going by other modes,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

AAA booking data reveals that theme parks, beaches, cruise gateway cities, and U.S. cities with 4th of July fireworks and celebrations are the most popular, based on searches and bookings by members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Las Vegas and Boston attract big crowds for fireworks and festivities. Anaheim and Orlando are top spots for those visiting theme parks. Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Seward rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. European cities dominate the list of international destinations with Copenhagen making the top 10 list for the first time.

Closer to home, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Boise and Portland are the most popular destinations. Bend has been the number one regional destination for years.

AAA expects 61.4 million (85.1% of travelers) to go by car over the 4th of July holiday. This is up just 0.2% over last year when 61.3 million took a road trip.

In Oregon, about 685,000 will drive to their Independence Day destinations.

“The good old American road trip is the top choice for most travelers over the 4th of July, even though gas prices are at four-year highs. Going by car is still usually the most affordable way to travel, especially for families, and it offers more flexibility and convenience than flying or taking a cruise,” says Dodds.

For travelers renting cars over July 4th, AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Thursday, July 2 to be the busiest pickup day. Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City are the cities with the highest demand based on advanced bookings. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive this holiday week compared to last year.

With travelers hitting the road for the 4th of July holiday, AAA asks drivers to put safety first. Please drive sober and at safe speeds, and remember to Slow Down, Move Over. Every state, including Oregon, has Slow Down Move Over laws requiring drivers to slow down, and move over a lane if possible, if a vehicle is on the roadside with hazard lights on. Please let roadside workers do their jobs safely and prevent tragedies.

“We’re in the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ – AAA finds that the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are when fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike. To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ as they head out on summer road trips,” says Dodds.

AAA projects 5.85 million Americans will take to the skies for Independence Day. This is up 0.2% from last year. In all, about 8.1% of all travelers will fly to their holiday destinations.

In Oregon, more than 124,000 will fly to their Independence Day destinations.

Tips for those flying this Independence Day:

Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.
Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking. Some parking facilities let you book in advance.
Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.
Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Airport restaurants may have long lines so it could be challenging to buy food if you have a short connection time.
Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

Source: AAA

Portland Local News