Approximately 844,000 Tennesseans will travel; 90 percent will drive
Tampa, FL – AAA projects 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1st to Sunday, July 5th.
“The freedom of summer means families can take extended vacations and, historically, that makes Independence Day the busiest summer travel holiday,” said Joy Dixon, Tennessee Director of Travel, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This is the largest number of Independence Day travelers since the great recession and it is encouraging news for the recovering economy and the travel industry.”
“Motorists are seeing prices lower at the pump than this time last year, which is encouraging families to pay down, put more in savings and travel,” said Don Lindsey, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “For the 35.5 million people planning a road trip this Independence Day, they can expect gas prices to be the lowest in at least five years.”
Highlights from 2015 Independence Day Travel Forecast
- The 2015 Independence Day forecast is expected to mark the highest travel volume for the holiday in 8 years, since 2007.
- The increase in travelers is driven by rising incomes, a strong employment market, and low gas prices.
- Tennessee motorists will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. The state average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.57 yesterday (June 24) – 88 cents lower than the average price for Independence Day last year ($3.45).
- More than 84 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will go by automobile, an increase of 0.7 percent from last Independence Day.
- Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.2 million leisure travelers.
- Other modes of transportation will increase 0.5 percent to 3.2 million – 3,000 fewer passengers than air travel.
- Airfares are up 6 percent compared to 2014
- Hotel rates are forecast to be 6-9 percent higher than 2014
All-American road trips remain popular for Independence Day
Nearly 85 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will drive to their holiday destinations, an increase of 0.7 percent. Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million leisure travelers. Travel by other modes of transportation including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 0.5 percent this Independence Day, to 3.2 million.
 |
Total Travel | Auto | Air | Other Modes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 41.9 million | +0.7% | 35.5 million | +0.7% | 3.2 million | +1.5% | 3.2 million | +0.5% | |||
| Tennessee | 844,396 | +2.2% | 753,335 | +2.2% | 36,788 | +2.6% | 54,273 | +3.0% | |||
| *Percentages represent the comparison to Independence Day 2014 | |||||||||||
AAA to rescue travelers stalled by a breakdown
AAA expects to rescue nearly 360,000 motorists at the roadside this Independence Day weekend, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists inspect their vehicle and check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a holiday getaway. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1.800.AAA.HELP to request roadside assistance when needed.
Lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years expected
The state average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.57 yesterday (June 24th) – 88 cents lower than the average price for Independence Day last year ($3.45).
Holiday travel expenses on the rise
Travelers will encounter moderately higher lodging rates and airfares this Independence Day. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, the average nightly stay in a Two Diamond hotel is six percent higher this year at $145.00, while Three Diamond hotels will cost nine percent more, averaging $195.00. Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are six percent higher this Independence Day, climbing to $227.00.
Download the AAA Mobile app before an Independence Day getaway
Before setting out on an Independence Day getaway, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
With the AAA Mobile app, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants via TripTik Travel Planner. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2015 Independence Day Travel Forecast can be found here.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. For more information about AAA Travel, visit AAA.com/Travel.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to approximately 9 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.
ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 55 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.
