News Summary
AAA has forecasted that 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the upcoming Independence Day holiday from June 28 to July 6, marking a record high. This represents a growth of 1.7 million travelers compared to the previous year. Among those, 61.6 million plan to travel by car, while air travel is set to reach 5.84 million. The anticipated surge in travel highlights changing patterns and extended trips, with popular destinations including Florida, Hawaii, and notable European cities.
Nashville, TN – AAA forecasts that a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans will embark on domestic travel during the upcoming Independence Day holiday period from June 28th to July 6th, 2025. This anticipated figure marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to the previous year—representing a growth of 2.4%—and showcases a substantial 7 million traveler rise since 2019.
The latest forecast incorporates the inclusion of two weekends within the holiday timeline, reflecting the evolving patterns of extended trips and varying departure schedules. Tennessee is gearing up for significant travel levels, with approximately 1.6 million residents expected to hit the road or take to the skies, which is an increase of 30,000 (or 1.9%) from last year.
Major Increases in Road and Air Travel
Of the total projected travelers, 61.6 million are expected to drive, signaling a 2.2% increase from last year and the highest volume recorded to date. This equates to an increase of 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024. As a precaution, AAA reported nearly 700,000 roadside assistance requests during last year’s holiday, with the majority attributed to typical issues such as dead batteries and flat tires.
Air travel is also experiencing a surge, with 5.84 million individuals projected to fly, representing a 1.4% increase over the previous year’s record numbers. However, round-trip domestic flights are averaging $810 this year, which is 4% higher than last year.
Other Modes of Transportation
In addition to road and air travel, 4.78 million travelers are expected to utilize services such as buses, trains, or cruises this holiday season. This figure reflects a 7.4% growth from last year. The cruise industry, particularly in Alaska, is seeing peak demand during this period.
Popular Travel Destinations
AAA has compiled data indicating the most sought-after travel destinations for Independence Day, influenced heavily by the demand for cruises, beaches, and fireworks displays. Major locations of interest include Florida, Hawaii, New York, Boston, and Vancouver. Additionally, several populations are gearing up for trips to notable European cities, showcasing a broadening interest in international travel.
Traffic Forecasts and Recommendations
As travelers prepare for busy roadways, INRIX anticipates significant congestion, particularly on July 2 and July 6, especially during the afternoon hours. Given the potential for travel disruptions, AAA encourages travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard against common problems such as flight delays and lost luggage.
Travelers have access to a wealth of resources on AAA’s website for trip planning, covering essential aspects like rental cars, hotel bookings, and travel guidance from industry experts. The methodology behind these travel forecasts includes a range of economic variables—covering employment rates, household net worth, gasoline prices, and tourism metrics—that contribute to an accurate view of travel trends.
Historical Tracking of Holiday Travel
AAA has been monitoring holiday travel volumes since the year 2000, employing proprietary databases sourced from S&P Global Market Intelligence to estimate these figures. This year’s Independence Day holiday travel period reflects changing travel behavior patterns as it has extended from the traditional single weekend to encompass a nine-day timeframe, thus accommodating a broader spectrum of travel plans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville Sees Record-Breaking Visitor Spending Amid Major Events
Additional Resources
- Clarksville Online: AAA Expects Millions to Travel
- Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
- Street Insider: Summer Travel Hot Spots
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holiday
- Tennessean: Nashville’s Tourism Industry Growth
- Google Search: Nashville 4th of July Celebrations
- Visit Music City: Affordable Experiences in Nashville
- Travel + Leisure: Best Fourth of July Celebrations
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
