Overview
- AAA released its Independence Day travel forecast on June 17 projecting more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles during the June 27–July 5 window and about 72.2 million Americans overall.
- Driving will dominate holiday movement in Michigan with over two million residents expected to use cars, and AAA Auto Club of Florida projects 4.08 million Floridians will drive during the same period.
- To avoid the worst congestion, AAA recommends departing before noon on most days and before 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3.
- AAA warned that gasoline prices are uncertain because of recent market volatility and the conflict involving Iran, noting Michigan’s average at $4.15 per gallon as of June 17, which could raise trip costs for many drivers.
- Major local events will concentrate demand and strain roads and lodging, with Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival marking its 100th anniversary and typically drawing more than 500,000 visitors during the holiday week.