An estimated 4.29 million Illinoisans will travel at least 50 miles from home for the Independence Day holiday travel period, according to AAA.
3.8 million of those Illinoisans are predicted to be driving to their destinations, according to a news release from the Auto Club Group (second-largest AAA club in North America).
AAA defines the holiday travel period as Saturday, June 27 through Sunday, July 5.
The projected travel statistics would set a new record for July Fourth travel in the Prairie State.
This year’s increase is predicted to be modest compared to gains in recent years, as strong consumer demand continues to offset higher travel costs, the release said.
2024 saw 4.27 million Illinoisans traveling for the holiday, and 2024 brought 4.17 million travelers.
Nationally, 72.2 million travelers are expected. That’s up from 71.8 million in 2025, and 70.5 million in 2024.
Top travel destinations
AAA shared the most popular destinations for both domestic and international travel.
Seattle, Washington takes the cake for the top domestic spot. Orlando, Florida is second.
Vancouver, Canada is the most booked international destination this year. Rome, Italy is the runner-up.
Travelers look to offset higher costs
Rather than staying home, many travelers are opting to offset higher travel costs, according to the news release. Here’s how:
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois travelers expected to set new record over July Fourth holiday
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
