Crowded roads await Fourth travelers
BOISE — Idahoans will be hitting the road with a bang for July 4.
AAA projects that nearly 48 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for a Fourth of July getaway, with 261,000 Idahoans among them. That’s just 2.5% less than the 2019 record, and nearly 40% more than last year.
AAA says that increased vaccinations, reduced COVID-19 travel restrictions and lower unemployment are giving more Americans the confidence to travel for some fun and fireworks this year. At this point, two-thirds of states have fully lifted their containment measures and re-opened.
“After seeing strong Memorial Day travel numbers, we felt that this was coming. The roads are going to be especially crowded this year, with a record 43.5 million Americans choosing the flexibility and convenience of traveling by car,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Average credit and debit card spending are also up 15% since January. That tells us that many Americans have the disposable income to travel, and that they’re going to go for it.”
The 2021 Independence Day holiday period is defined as Thursday, July 1 through Monday, July 5.
The busiest times on the roads will be Thursday afternoon, when travelers are driving alongside evening commuters, and Monday afternoon, as some employees will receive July 5 as an observed holiday this year. At the airport, Friday afternoon will be one of the busier times.
This year, popular destinations include nearby state and national parks, and Idahoans will also visit tourist spots like Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Orlando over the holiday weekend.
“If you plan to travel on two-lane roads to reach a lake or a distant campsite, you could be in for some pretty heavy traffic congestion at times,” Conde said. “Wherever you go, please bring plenty of food and water with you to tide everyone over until you reach your destination.”
Gas prices have been steadily climbing throughout the spring and early summer, recently hitting the $3.30 mark in Idaho, but they aren’t likely to change anyone’s travel plans. Most Americans will shift funds from eating out or retail purchases if they need to offset the higher cost of fuel.
In Kootenai County, a gallon of regular unleaded runs from slight under $3 to $3.25.
Independence Day Travel by the Numbers
Cars are king.
Automobile travel will set a new record this year, as 43.5 million Americans seek the comforts of a ‘personal bubble’ for their journey. In a normal year, 87-89% of travelers go by car, but AAA predicts that this year, 91% of travelers are planning a Great American Road Trip.
Air travel soars.
If you’re heading to the airport this year, you won’t be alone. AAA projects a 164% percent increase in air travel, with 3.5 million Americans expected to take to the sky. That total is 90% of the volume seen pre-pandemic, and another sign that travel is steadily rebounding.
“From a TSA standpoint, staff reductions could lead to some occasional bottlenecks in the screening process,” Conde said. “It’s a good idea to build in some extra time and practice calming techniques when you’re making your way through security.”
AAA reminds travelers that face coverings are still required at airports, on airplanes, and in many other public transportation venues and that state and city requirements may differ from federal requirements. For more information, check out AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map.
Other modes of travel are slowly pulling away from the station (or dock). While 620,000 people will travel by cruise ship, bus or rail, the figure remains 83% below pre-pandemic levels.
AAA to the rescue
Over the Independence Day holiday weekend, AAA forecasts responding to 461,000 requests for roadside assistance, and as many as 1,000 service calls on Idaho roads. According to experts, automotive repair during the pandemic did not keep pace with the reduction in vehicle miles traveled, suggesting that some travelers are behind on routine maintenance.