Record Independence Day travel expected to impact Central Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for the 4^th of July holiday. This sets a new record, up from 71.8 million travelers last year. But the increase is 0.5% which is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively flat compared to last year, while travel by other modes, including cruises, is the category seeing the biggest increase, up 5.3% compared to last year.

About 877,000 Oregonians will travel for the 4^th of July. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5.

“For many Americans, a July 4^th getaway is a cherished tradition. Our AAA forecast includes travelers who are vacationing for most if not all of the nine days, those heading out for a long holiday weekend, and travelers who are taking day trips. Even as overall Independence Day travel growth begins to flatten, record numbers are still expected this year,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“Independence Day 2026 will be the busiest travel holiday of the summer as the 4^th of July falls on a Saturday this year, and it also marks the nation’s 250^th birthday. As in prior years, most travelers will go by car. Despite gas prices at four-year highs, driving is often cheaper and offers more flexibility than going by other modes,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Top Independence Day Destinations

AAA booking data reveals that theme parks, beaches, cruise gateway cities, and U.S. cities with 4^th of July fireworks and celebrations are the most popular, based on searches and bookings by members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Las Vegas and Boston attract big crowds for fireworks and festivities. Anaheim and Orlando are top spots for those visiting theme parks. Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Seward rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. European cities dominate the list of international destinations with Copenhagen making the top 10 list for the first time.

Closer to home, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Boise and Portland are the most popular destinations. Bend has been the number one regional destination for years.

Car travel similar to last year

AAA expects 61.4 million (85.1% of travelers) to go by car over the 4^th of July holiday. This is up just 0.2% over last year when 61.3 million took a road trip.

In Oregon, about 685,000 will drive to their Independence Day destinations.

“The good old American road trip is the top choice for most travelers over the 4^th of July, even though gas prices are at four-year highs. Going by car is still usually the most affordable way to travel, especially for families, and it offers more flexibility and convenience than flying or taking a cruise,” says Dodds.

For travelers renting cars over July 4^th, AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Thursday, July 2 to be the busiest pickup day. Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City are the cities with the highest demand based on advanced bookings. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive this holiday week compared to last year.

With travelers hitting the road for the 4^th of July holiday, AAA asks drivers to put safety first. Please drive sober and at safe speeds, and remember to Slow Down, Move Over. Every state, including Oregon, has Slow Down Move Over laws requiring drivers to slow down, and move over a lane if possible, if a vehicle is on the roadside with hazard lights on. Please let roadside workers do their jobs safely and prevent tragedies.

“We’re in the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ – AAA finds that the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are when fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike. To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ as they head out on summer road trips,” says Dodds.

Air travel ticks up

AAA projects 5.85 million Americans will take to the skies for Independence Day. This is up 0.2% from last year. In all, about 8.1% of all travelers will fly to their holiday destinations.

In Oregon, more than 124,000 will fly to their Independence Day destinations.

Tips for those flying this Independence Day:

• Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
• Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.
• Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance. 
• Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
• Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Airport restaurants may have long lines so it could be challenging to buy food if you have a short connection time.
• Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

Other modes see biggest jump for 2026, driven by cruises

Travel by other modes including cruises, buses and trains is seeing the biggest year-over-year growth compared to car and air travel. AAA projects 4.93 million Americans will take buses, trains, and cruises over Independence Day week, a 5.3% increase from last year. This year is also expected to surpass 2019’s figure of 4.79 million travelers, due in large part to the post-COVID cruising boom.

Approximately 64,000 Oregonians will travel by other modes.

Travelers are drawn to cruise vacations because cruising appeals to multi-generational groups, travelers know how much the trip will cost upfront, and the ship offers all-inclusive dining, various entertainment options, and multiple destinations.

Best and worst times to drive

AAA has partnered with INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, to determine the best and worst times to drive over the Independence Day holiday period.  

INRIX says the busiest times on the roads will be before the second weekend of the holiday period, startng Thursay, July 2 as folks head to their destinations, and Sunday, July 5 as travelers return home. Afternoon and evening hours will be the most congested, especially in urban areas where travelers mix with commuters. In certain metro areas, Saturday, June 27 will be congested in the afternoon hours.

Drivers looking to avoid the heaviest traffic should leave in the morning hours, or plan to travel on Monday, June 29 or Tuesday, June 30. Construction, crashes, or severe weather could also impact travel times.

“Use traffic apps, 511 services, and local traffic reports on the radio can help you avoid bottlenecks. But expect busier-than-usual traffic and give yourself extra time to reach your destination, no matter when you go,” says Dodds.

Here are the daily best and worst times to drive:

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs  

Air—AAA finds that travelers are paying more for domestic flights and less for international flights for Independence Day travel.

• Domestic flights are 1% more expensive this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $830.
• International flights are 16% cheaper this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,150.

Hotels—AAA finds domestic and international hotel prices are more expensive compared to 2025.

• Domestic hotels are 25% more expensive this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $735. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
• International hotels are 8% more expensive this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $845. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Car Rentals—AAA finds that renting a car costs more this year.

• Domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $735 total – not the daily rate.
• International car rentals are 1% more expensive this Independence Day period compared to last year.
• Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $870 – not the daily rate.

Cruises—AAA finds that cruises are more expensive this year

• Cruises departing from domestic cities are 27% more expensive this Independence Day period.
• Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,400.
• Cruises departing from international cities are 13% more expensive this Independence Day period.
• Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,230.

Tours—AAA finds tours are more expensive this year

• Tour prices in domestic cities are 5% more expensive this Independence Day period.
• Average cost for a domestic tour is $1,430.
• Tours in international cities are 4% more expensive this Independence Day period.
• Average cost for an international tour is $2,030.

Gas prices at four-year highs

Drivers are paying more for gas this year compared to Independence Day 2025; in fact, pump prices are the highest for the holiday since 2022. The Iran conflict has driven up crude oil prices and caused gas and diesel prices to soar since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Crude oil prices have fallen this week, after the U.S. and Iran said there was an agreement to end the conflict and open the Strait of Hormuz.

The national average is currently $4.03 and the Oregon average is $4.95 (as of June 17, 2026).

Find current gas prices at https://gasprices.aaa.com/

For local news releases on gas prices, visit https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

Use the AAA Mobile App (AAA.com/mobile) to help you find the least expensive gas in your area. You can also find the closest EV charging stations. Download it for free at the App Store or Google Play.

Find fuel saving tips here.

AAA to the rescue this Independence Day

AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the 4^th of July travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts. Last year over the holiday period, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 requests for roadside assistance nationally, and about 7,500 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), app or online—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Make sure your car is road-trip ready. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Make sure you have enough provisions to keep everyone comfortable if you’re stuck for hours or even overnight,” says Dodds. “A crash or wildfire can cause significant traffic delays, and in remote areas, cell service may be limited or unavailable.”

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

AAA Travel Advice

“With AAA projecting another year of record travel for Independence Day, it’s important that travelers be flexible and have a plan B. Use your AAA membership to find discounts and rewards, work with a travel agent, and consider travel insurance as well as medical travel insurance,” says Loofburrow.

AAA recommends working with a travel agent and considering travel insurance options.

“Travel agents bring expert knowledge about your destination and can help you get the most value for your travel budget,” says Loofburrow. “If problems arise—whether it’s a canceled flight, a medical issue, or a last-minute itinerary change—they can provide guidance and step in as your advocate. They can also often connect travelers with special deals and rates the general public may not be able to access.”

AAA strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. You may also want to consider medial travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling out of the U.S. Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Travel agents can also advise on what coverage makes the most sense for your trip.

Visit AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Forecast methodology

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from MMGY’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. MMGY contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken. 

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was finalized the week of May 18, 2026.

Because AAA holiday forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes, whether traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.

*Independence Day Holiday Travel Period

AAA’s Independence Day holiday travel period spans nine days and includes two weekends. This year, the dates range from Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.

INRIX Methodology

INRIX blends statistically grounded models with real-world road behavior to forecast travel conditions on the most heavily traveled routes across the U.S. during peak holiday periods. INRIX’s holiday traffic forecast combines pre-selected high-impact travel routes, rich multi-source traffic data, and a statistically robust linear regression model to generate detailed, time-specific travel delay predictions. INRIX’s data sources include a wide array of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based inputs. These include connected vehicle GPS data, mobile apps and navigation services, roadside sensors and cameras, and commercial fleet telematics. With expansive coverage, high temporal resolution, and historical context, this forecasting process provides essential insights for travelers, media, and agencies alike.

About AAA

Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.