Time: 2024-06-24
The upcoming Independence Day holiday is set to break records for travel across the United States, with A predicting that 70.9 million Americans will be hitting the road or taking to the skies for the long weekend. In the Pacific Region, including states like Alaska, California, and Oregon, 10.85 million people are expected to travel, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Oregon alone will see about 862,000 travelers during the Independence Day holiday period, which spans from June 29 to July 7.
A projects that car travel will be at an all-time high, with 60.6 million Americans expected to drive to their destinations. Oregonians will also be hitting the road in record numbers, with over 676,000 residents planning road trips for the holiday. Air travel is also expected to see a significant increase, with 5.74 million Americans, including 122,500 Oregonians, set to fly to their destinations.
For residents of San Diego, the Fourth of July holiday is expected to be particularly busy, with the Automobile Club of Southern California forecasting a record number of travelers. A total of 5.4 million Southern Californians are expected to leave home for the holiday, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. In San Diego, travelers can expect congestion on the roads and long lines at the airport as more people than ever are expected to hit the beaches and embark on getaways.
The holiday period, which now spans nine days, will see the busiest travel times on July 3, 4, and 5. Road trips are expected to take up to 67% longer than normal, with INRIX advising motorists to monitor traffic conditions closely. Gas prices in Southern California are slightly lower than last year, offering some relief to drivers.
Air travel is also on the rise, with more passengers expected to fly this summer than in recent years. In San Diego, the airport is forecasting 750,000 to 780,000 passengers over a 10-day period, starting from June 28. The Auto Club predicts a 13% increase in air travelers compared to 2019. With construction on the new Terminal 1 underway, travelers are advised to plan ahead and consider making reservations for airport parking or utilizing shuttle services.
San Diego's top tourist destinations, like SeaWorld, are likely to be popular during the holiday, with added seating options and reserved seating for fireworks shows. The top destinations for Southern Californians opting to fly include Oahu, Orlando, Seattle, and Portland, offering a mix of city experiences and natural beauty for holiday travelers.
Business
