Travelers embrace iconic destinations and flexible vehicle options as the holiday approaches America’s 250th anniversary
New insights from Hertz’s July Fourth travel bookings show Americans are gearing up for Independence Day getaways, with strong demand for road travel, beloved destinations and vehicles that support comfort, flexibility and evolving traveler needs. This comes as AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel over the July Fourth holiday period, with 61.4 million people planning to travel by car.
Travelers Plan Ahead for Summer Celebrations
This year, travelers are taking a more proactive approach to July 4th travel, with bookings being made about a week earlier on average compared to last year, as many look to lock in preferred vehicles and specific travel dates in advance.
This earlier planning is also reflected in travel timing, with July 2, June 27 and July 1 emerging as the busiest pickup dates, pointing to a broader holiday window as travelers spread departures across multiple days.
SUVs Lead the Way for Summer Road Trips
SUVs remain the top vehicle choice for July Fourth travel, reflecting continued demand for space, comfort and versatility. From family vacations to group getaways, travelers are prioritizing vehicles that support longer drives and shared experiences.
At the same time, interest in fuel-efficient options continues to grow. Hybrid demand is up 140% year over year, as travelers look for added efficiency while maintaining the flexibility of a traditional driving experience.
EVs are also gaining traction, with competitive pricing in many markets – often comparable to or lower than other vehicle classes – making them an increasingly appealing option for summer travel.
Top Destinations
This year’s leading destinations showcase a mix of warm-weather favorites, major metro hubs and cities known for memorable holiday celebrations:
- Orlando
- Denver
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- New York City
These destinations highlight the enduring appeal of both family-friendly hotspots and vibrant urban cities – particularly as travelers look ahead to major milestones like America’s 250th anniversary.
Looking Ahead
As Independence Day approaches, last-minute bookings are expected to build, rounding out what is shaping up to be a strong and steady holiday travel period. Early trends point to a season defined by continued enthusiasm for road travel, thoughtful planning, and growing interest in a range of vehicle options that support how Americans want to travel today.
*Travel insights are based on Hertz internal data as of the date of release.