AAA forecasts bustling Fourth of July travel period for Oregonians

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Around 862,000 Oregonians are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home in search of Fourth of July festivities.

The American Automobile Association forecasted 70.9 million vacationers nationwide throughout the travel period, which has been expanded to include Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, July 7.

About 70.9 million Americans are expected to travel within that time, exceeding 2023 travel by 5% and 2019 travel by 8%.

“Travel volumes for this year’s 4th of July holiday will be higher than ever before,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Senior Vice President of Travel Doreen Loofburrow said. “Americans are ready for fun and fireworks. With summer vacations and the flexibility of remote work, travelers will be taking to the roads, skies and seas to celebrate Independence Day.”

The association listed Seattle, Las Vegas and Boston among the top U.S. destinations for the holiday. Within Oregon, Bend, Portland and Eugene were named as the most popular places to visit.

Most traveling Oregonians are planning road trips throughout the week. Drivers can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3 and Sunday, July 7, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.

See a full list of the best and worst times to hit the road here.

For those catching a flight to their destination, AAA advises travelers to arrive at the Portland International Airport two hours ahead for domestic trips and three hours ahead for international trips.