AAA Says More Hoosiers Will Travel this Independence Day than Ever

Indianapolis, IN - June 25, 2015 - AAA estimates that 1,002,655 Indiana residents will travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day holiday period, the highest number ever recorded.

Last year, 992,682 Hoosiers traveled during the same timeframe.

The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5.

Additional Indiana travel numbers during the last decade are as follows...

2013 - 972,677

2012 - 960,189

2011 - 968-353

2010 - 915,414

2009 - 681,828

2008 - 862,002

2007 - 958,744

2006 - 762,622

2005 - 891,273

2004 - 896,279

2003 - 899,455

"Indiana numbers are very reflective of what we're seeing on the national scale," said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club.

"Independence Day is typically the busiest summer travel holiday and although some consumers are using money they've been saving on recent gas prices to pay down debt, overall, Americans are planning to travel in record numbers."

AAA projects 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year.

All-American road trips remain popular for Independence Day
Nearly 85 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will drive to their holiday destinations, an increase of 0.7 percent. Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million leisure travelers. Travel by other modes of transportation including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 0.5 percent this Independence Day, to 3.2 million.

AAA to rescue travelers stalled by a breakdown
AAA expects to rescue nearly 360,000 motorists at the roadside this Independence Day weekend, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists inspect their vehicle and check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a holiday getaway. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance when needed.

Lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years expected
Despite recent seasonal increases in the price of gas, travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower prices compared to recent years. Most drivers will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. Today's national average price for a gallon of gasoline--$2.781--is 90 cents less than what it was one year ago.

Today's average gas price in Indiana is $2.72. One year ago today, it was $3.72.

Holiday travel expenses on the rise
Travelers will encounter moderately higher lodging rates and airfares this Independence Day. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, the average nightly stay in a Two Diamond hotel is six percent higher this year at $145, while Three Diamond hotels will cost nine percent more, averaging $195. Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are six percent higher this Independence Day, climbing to $227.

Download the AAA Mobile app before an Independence Day getaway
Before setting out on an Independence Day getaway, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

With the AAA Mobile app, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants via TripTik Travel Planner. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA's projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2015 Independence Day Travel Forecast can be found here.

AAA

_{* When calling 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357), your location may be obtained to route your call to the nearest AAA Roadside Assistance Center.}