For the forthcoming Independence Day celebration, AAA anticipates high travel volume from Pikeville to Paducah and from sea to shining sea.
According to AAA Blue Grass public and government affairs manager Lori Weaver Hawkins, travelers are preparing for a busy Fourth of July travel period throughout the bluegrass. Given that most people travel by automobile, AAA is encouraging Kentuckians to always be sober when driving, observe traffic laws, show consideration for other drivers, and always strap up before you go.
Additionally, Weaver Hawkins is encouraging drivers to avoid distractions.
She advised setting phones to “do not disturb.” Before you leave the driveway, adjust the infotainment, climate, and navigation controls. Take a break from the road and dine inside the restaurant rather than through a fast-food drive-through. This will not only reduce driving weariness but also prevent food and drink from becoming a distraction.
Nearly 7,000 stranded drivers were saved by AAA during the 2024 Fourth of July travel weekend. Before driving, drivers are encouraged to make sure their automobile is up to date on routine maintenance or to take it to a car care facility that has been approved by AAA. Check tire tread and pressure, and have a certified technician examine the battery. Weaver Hawkins adds that among the most frequent issues that disrupt summer travel are tires and batteries.
A brief overview of AAA’s Independence Day 2025 statistics, trends, and advice is provided below:
During the Independence Day holiday travel period (June 28–July 6), 821,319 Kentuckians will travel 50 miles or more from their homes, a 2% increase from 2024.
The percentage of Kentuckians who will fly is 4.5%. Compared to 2024, the 36,707 Kentuckians in flight reflect a minor 0.5% increase.
5% of Kentuckians, or 41,295 people, chose to take the train, cruise, or other forms of transportation for the Fourth of July vacation.
According to AAA, 72.2 million people will travel countrywide over the Independence Day vacation, a 2.4% increase over 2024.
The proportion of Americans who will drive to their Independence Day destinations is 85.3%. An additional 2.2% growth over 2024 is represented by the 61.6 million travelers nationwide.
8.1% of all travelers in the country will take a plane. Compared to 2024, the 5.84 million people flying is a 1.3% rise.
6.6% of all tourists in the US will take a train, boat, or other kind of transportation for the Fourth of July vacation, which represents a 7.2% increase over 2024.
Although most Kentuckians will be driving, airports will also be crowded. To be informed about potential flight or gate changes, travelers should download the airline’s app in advance, advised Weaver Hawkins. Arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled boarding time. Anticipate longer airport security waits during the Fourth of July travel period. To prevent issues getting past security, don’t forget to bring a type of identification that complies with Real ID, usually a passport or Real ID.
Trends, advice, and safety warnings for road travel
Kentucky is ranked 10th in the US for the lowest average gas costs. (As of June 24, 25)
The average national gas price as of June 24, 25 is $3.22.
2,950 car crashes occurred in Kentucky during the June 29–July 7 Independence Day travel period in 2024.
695 The number of injuries brought on by car accidents in Kentucky during the 2024 Christmas season.
Weaver Hawkins advises drivers to be patient in addition to avoiding distractions. Aggression has no place behind the wheel. Control your anger. Do not take matters into your own hands if you witness another driver acting rudely. Correcting other people’s driving habits is not your responsibility. Keep the fireworks for the neighborhood festivity.
Trends in Travel Prices
Compared to 2024, the average cost of domestic flights over the Independence Day travel period increased by 4% to $810.
The average price of international airfares during the Fourth of July holiday has decreased by 4% from 2024 to $1,365.
Domestic hotels for Independence Day are 11% less expensive than they were last year, with an average rate of $590.
International hotels are 8% more expensive for Independence Day than they were last year, with an average reservation fee of $785 for a couple nights.
A domestic car rental now costs 2% less, with an average booking fee of $670 (usually for multiple days).
Cruises leaving domestic cities now cost 40% more than they did on Independence Day 2024, with an average price of $2,065.
Traveling at the best and worst times
July 5 and July 2 The Independence Day holiday is one of the busiest travel days. There will be less traffic on the roads in the morning than in the afternoon.
According to AAA Travel reservations, the top domestic destinations for the Independence Day holiday are:
Orlando, FloridaWashington’s SeattleAnchorage, AK New York, NYFlorida’s Fort LauderdaleCOM, Honolulu, and DenverIami, FloridaBoston, MassachusettsAtlanta, Georgia
Top Places to Go Abroad:
Canada’s Vancouver, British ColumbiaItaly’s RomeFrance’s ParisLondon, EnglandBarcelona, SpainIreland’s DublinAmsterdam, NetherlandsCanada’s CalgaryAthens, GreeceLisbon, Portugal
Visit theKentucky Transportation Cabinetwebsite for details on road construction, detours and road conditions.
AAA Blue Grass