TOPEKA, Kan. (June 28, 2017) – This Independence Day, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home, taking to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways to honor the red, white and blue. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever.
The West North Central Region*, of which Kansas is a part, will see more than 3.34 million people taking Independence Day weekend trips of 50 miles or longer, a 2 percent increase over 2016 and the largest number of travelers since 2007, according to AAA. Kansas has registered the 10th lowest gas prices in America for four consecutive weeks, encouraging more people to hit the roads.
AAA Kansas member services representatives, based on requests for maps, TripTiks and travel guides, report the following top driving destinations for Kansans for this Fourth of July weekend:
Branson, Mo./Table Rock Lake
• Colorado
• Kansas City
• Oklahoma City
• Dallas
AAA Kansas travel agents have been booking a significant number of flights to Las Vegas, Orlando, Alaska and Cancun, as well as cruises to various destinations, including Alaska, the Caribbean and the Greek Isles.
“Affordable gas prices, strong employment, rising incomes and higher consumer confidence are driving the robust growth in travel this year, and in particular this Independence Day weekend,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “A historic 44.2 million Americans will travel to celebrate our nation’s freedom this year, adding to an already very active summer travel season.”
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
By the Numbers: Independence Day Travel Forecast
• Overall, 44.2 million travelers are expected to travel this Independence Day, a 2.9 percent increase over 2016.
• 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year.
• 3.44 million people are taking to the skies this Independence Day, increasing air travel by 4.6 percent over last year.
• 3.27 million travelers, an increase of 1.4 percent from 2016, will look to other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses.
National average gas prices are a few cents less than this same time last year, and the relatively low prices at the pump means more travelers on the roads this Independence Day. With the national average price for a gallon of gas at about $2.25 and the average price in Kansas at about $2.07 this week, prices remain historically low for the summer travel season.
The vast majority of travelers—37.5 million Americans—will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 4.6 percent over last year, with 3.44 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 1.4 percent, to 3.27 million travelers.
Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 338,000 motorists – more than 1,900 in Kansas – this Independence Day weekend, with the primary reasons being lockouts, flat tires and battery-related issues. AAA recommends motorists take their vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown.