Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) over last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

To better reflect holiday travel trends, AAA’s forecast now accounts for two weekends, capturing extended trips and varied departure schedules.

Michigan travel is expected to reach historic levels, with more than 2.6 million Michiganders hitting the road, skies, and rails – that’s up 71,000 (nearly 3%) from last year.

• Driving: Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip (+59,000 from last year, up 2.5%).

• Flying: Nearly 96,000 Michigan residents will fly domestically (+1,000, up 1%).

• Other Modes: More than 160,000 Michiganders will take buses, trains, or cruises (+11,000, up 7%).

Michigan Independence Day Travelers:

Auto Air Other Total
2025 2.4 million 95,681 161,302 2.6 million
2024 2.3 million 94,613 150,273 2.5 million
2019 2.1 million 90,195 158,604 2.3 million

"Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities," said Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel.

"This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones."

How Americans Are Traveling This Independence Day:

By Car:

AAA estimates 61.6 million Americans will drive—a 2.2% increase from last year and the highest number ever recorded. 1.3 million more road travelers are expected compared to 2024.

Drivers should prepare their vehicles in advance, as AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s holiday period for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.

Gas prices are likely to fluctuate before Independence Day. Last week, oil prices surged in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, increasing gasoline production costs. While analysts suggest this may be a short-term reaction, it’s too early to know whether prices will stabilize before the holiday.

Michigan drivers are currently paying $3.30. That is approximately 30 cents per gallon less than last year’s holiday.

By Air:

Air travel is reaching record-breaking numbers nationwide, with 5.84 million people flying, a 1.4% increase over last year's previous high. This figure exclusively represents domestic leisure travel, counting complete round-trip itineraries as a single trip. This differs from TSA data, which tracks each individual airport screening separately and includes both domestic and international travel.
AAA data shows round-trip domestic flights averaging $810, up 4% from 2024. Travelers booking last-minute can find better deals by flying midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays).

By Other Modes:

Nearly 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise, marking a 7.4% rise over last year. Cruising continues to fuel this growth, particularly in peak Alaska cruise season.