July 4th Holiday Sparks Near Record Travel, Says AAA
24 June 1998
July 4th Holiday Sparks Near Record Travel, Says AAA
ORLANDO, Fla.--June 24, 1998--This Fourth of July holiday 36.9 million Americans will hit the roads and skies for a trip of 100 miles or more from home, according to AAA.That is the largest number of travelers for that holiday since 1987, when 37 million people took a July 4th getaway.
AAA's projections are up 3 percent from last year's 35.7 million July 4th travelers, the highest percentage increase in travelers for this holiday since a 4 percent rise in 1994. Traditionally, the Independence Day period is the busiest summer holiday for travel.
Of those traveling, 31.6 million are expected to go by auto, light truck or recreational vehicle, a 3 percent increase over the 30.7 million who drove last year. Another 5.3 million will travel by airplane, train or bus, up 6 percent over the previous year.
The greatest number of motorists will come from the Southeast with 7.8 million; followed by the Northeast, 6.7 million; the West, 6.4 million; the Great Lakes, 5.8 million; and the Midwest 4.9 million.
The most popular holiday destinations will be towns and rural areas with 26 percent of the total travel volume, followed closely by oceans and beaches, 25 percent, and cities, 22 percent. Other popular destinations include lake areas, 9 percent; mountains, 7 percent; state or national parks, 3 percent; and theme/amusement parks, 2 percent. Other or undecided totaled 6 percent.
Of those spending at least one night at their destination, 37 percent will stay at a hotel or motel and 35 percent plan to visit a friend's or relative's home. Other overnight accommodations include: cabin, condo or vacation home, 12 percent; camper, trailer, RV or tent, 10 percent; bed and breakfast inn, 2 percent; other, 2 percent; boat or ship, 1 percent. One percent is undecided.
Research data for the July 4th holiday are based on a national telephone survey of 1,500 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA.
AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 96 motor clubs, providing its more than 40 million members in the United States and Canada with a full line of travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.