AAA projects 2.1 million people from Connecticut and the five other New England states will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day, a 2.5 percent increase from 2013 and the highest regional travel volume on record. Growth in consumer spending is fueling the anticipated increase. However, the additional spending is primarily due to more credit card use, rather than rising incomes.
“With school out, Independence Day is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, with nearly half a million more New Englanders traveling compared to Memorial Day weekend,” said AAA Public Affairs Manager Aaron Kupec. “Popular destinations among Connecticut residents include Cape Cod, New Jersey beaches, the Carolinas and Washington, DC.”
Highlights from AAA’s 2014 Independence Day Travel Forecast:
- Freedom of the Open Road. More than 1.8 million New Englanders (86 percent of travelers) plan to drive to their destination—a 2.9 percent increase from last year.
- Air Travel Up. Some 148,000 New Englanders are expected to fly for the Fourth— up 2.8 percent from 2013.
- Travel Expenses Mixed. Hotel rates at AAA Two Diamond hotels are 15 percent higher than last year and Three Diamond hotels are nine percent more, while airfares have dipped five percent and rental car rates are flat.
Higher Gas Prices
AAA expects Connecticut motorists likely will pay the highest gas prices for Independence Day since 2008.
Today’s statewide average price for regular unleaded is $3.98—21 cents per gallon more expensive compared to one year ago and the fifth highest in the country (tied with Oregon). In recent years, gas prices have declined in the weeks leading up to the holiday, but this has not occurred this summer due to high crude oil costs resulting from violence in Iraq.
AAA does not believe that high gas prices will have a significant impact on the number of people traveling, but it could result in some consumers cutting back on dining, shopping or other trip activities.
Vehicle Maintenance Takes No Vacation
Proper auto maintenance is key to avoiding a breakdown this summer. During the Fourth of July travel period in 2013, AAA’s Roadside Rescue Team responded to more than 3,700 emergency road service calls in Greater Hartford and eastern Connecticut, including nearly 1,800 calls for tows and more than 750 calls for battery problems. AAA urges motorists to check their vehicle batteries, fluid levels, tires, belts and hoses before hitting the road.
The National Picture
New England travel forecast numbers are in line with projections for the nation as a whole. AAA projects 41 million Americans will travel for Independence Day, a 1.9 percent increase from 2013. Nationally, auto travel is expected to rise 2.2 percent, while air travel is expected to increase 1 percent.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Independence Day travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 6. The complete forecast report can be found here.
