CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Roughly 1.5 million North Carolinians will take at least one trip of 50 miles or more this Fourth of July holiday, according to forecast data from AAA, breaking the record set in 2022.
The Tar Heel state isn’t the only place breaking travel records this year. AAA says over 50 million Americans nationwide will travel in 2023, which is around 2.1 million more than last year.
“Independence Day weekend appears to be the continuation of what has already been a very strong summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although airfares and hotel rates are more expensive than last year, North Carolinians are still eager to travel. So, expect to see congested roads, busy hotels, and long lines at airports and attractions.”
Of the 50.7 million people expected to travel this year, AAA says 43.2 million will travel by car, 4.2 million by air and 3.4 million will travel by some other means of transportation including bus, train or ship.
In North Carolina, roughly 1.3 million will travel by car, 118,000 by air and 70,000 using other means.
Experts say travelers hitting the road are likely to pay “well below” what drivers paid while traveling during this same time in 2022, though the exact cost is still too early to say.
Friday, June 30 is expected to be the busiest day to travel this holiday weekend, according to INRIX, which is a provider of transportation data and insights, with afternoon and early evening being considered the worst time frame to travel.
INRIX says leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. should be the best time to avoid congestion, which is expected to increase average travel times by roughly 30%.
In a news release from AAA, the group laid out some summer travel tips and trends to help you get where you’re going this Independence Day:
- Air travel is seeing the biggest spike in demand despite higher ticket prices. Passengers are paying 40% - 50% more for flights compared to last year, yet AAA data shows bookings remain strong. Many airlines are responding to surging demand by hiring more staff and taking smaller regional planes out of service and replacing them with larger ones to increase capacity. However, there are still challenges, including a shortage of air traffic controllers that has led to reduced service in and out of New York City area airports
- AAA Travel Tip: Apply for TSA Precheck to avoid long security lines at packed airports. You can enroll at participating AAA branches during TSA PreCheck by IDEMIA pop-up events, which are posted HERE 45 days in advance
- Hotel prices are up slightly over 2022, but not by much. While the number of domestic hotel bookings is about the same as last year, AAA data shows international hotel bookings are up 80% compared to 2022. International travel demand is booming and so are passport applications. The U.S. State Department says it’s processing half a million applications a week. Routine service is averaging 10-13 weeks
- AAA Travel Tip: Need a passport fast? RushMyPassport provides expedited services and discounts for AAA members. This past May, they handled more than 1,100 applications from AAA members, compared to just 73 applications in May of last year
- Car rental shortages seen during the pandemic have improved. Inventory has steadily increased since last year, with newer models and electric vehicles added to fleets. AAA data shows rental prices are down slightly from last year. Demand for international rental cars is up more than 80% compared to 2022
- AAA Travel Tip: Prepay for your rental car to be eligible for added savings and the confidence that the car of your choice will be waiting for you as planned. If you’re planning to drive abroad, keep in mind some countries require International Driving Permits. AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. This year, AAA reports demand for IDPs is double what it was in 2022
- Cruising is back to pre-pandemic numbers, with sold-out ships and advance bookings. Prices are about the same as 2022, with certain cruises a bit higher this year due to demand. Alaska cruises are particularly popular this time of year. AAA booking data also shows Caribbean cruises and European river cruises are top vacations in 2023
- AAA Travel Tip: Protect your investment with travel insurance. AAA data shows demand for travel insurance is up more than 100% over last year, as more travelers now see the need to prepare for the unexpected(AAA)
