Idaho fuel costs hold

Looking to travel this Fourth of July? You won’t be alone. 

According to AAA, a record 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for food, fireworks and family vacations this Independence Day, including 426,000 Idahoans.

“While it’s another record, it’s only a slight bump from a year ago,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Economic factors may be slowing the leaps-and-bounds growth we’ve seen since the pandemic, but travelers remain very determined to celebrate the holiday in style.”

This year, AAA’s travel projection spans Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. The worst days to travel are Thursday, July 2, and Sunday, July 5. Regardless of your travel date, getting an early start is key to avoiding peak traffic congestion.

By the numbers

Of the 72.2 million total travelers, 61.4 million will go by car, while 5.85 million will fly. The biggest growth this year is for other modes of travel, including cruises and buses. 4.93 million will use these modes of travel, which is a 5.3% jump from a year ago.

“Cruising has been the last travel mode to fully recover from the chaos of 2020, but the secret is out that a shipboard adventure is a great way to enjoy your vacation,” Conde said.

AAA reports that a gallon of regular gasoline currently costs $4.24 in Idaho, which is 16 cents less than a week ago and 45 cents less than a month ago, but still 86 cents more expensive than a year ago.

The national average currently sits at $3.93 per gallon, which is 13 cents cheaper than a week ago and 62 cents less than a month ago, but about 81 cents more than a year ago. 

Today, Idaho ranks seventh in the nation for the most expensive fuel.

Independence Day — average costs are climbing

The top domestic flights are 1% more expensive for the Fourth of July holiday than a year ago.

The average domestic hotel stay is 25% more expensive than a year ago.

Domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive than a year ago.

Cruises departing from domestic cities are 27% more expensive than a year ago.

Where are Idahoans going?

This year’s top Fourth of July destinations include:

1. Las Vegas

2. Anaheim/Los Angeles

3. Orlando, Fla.

4. Maui

5. Salt Lake City

6. Ft. Lauderdale

7. Boston

8. Yellowstone National Park/Grand Teton

9. Denver

10. Billings