Expect even more crowds in NYC this Fourth of July

Despite being the costliest city in the United States, New York jumped from its position as the fourth most popular US destination for Fourth of July travel in 2011 to the number one spot this year, a Travelocity survey found.

According to the Fourth of July Booking Barometer, based on reservations, the top ten hottest US destinations for Independence Day holiday travel this year are: New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, Denver, South Florida, Washington DC, Seattle, Boston and San Francisco.

As well as ranking the country’s most popular regions, the Travelocity study revealed that the average domestic airfare for Fourth of July travel this year was US$391, an increase of nearly six per cent compared to $369 a year ago.

Analyzing five years (2007-2011) of historical data, the Fourth of July Booking Barometer also found that airfares would rise by more than 20 per cent as the holiday period (June 27 – July 7) drew nearer.  

Based on this data, domestic airfares this year averaged $342 three weeks out from the holidays, $367 two weeks out, and $412 per ticket from a week out.

To help consumers get the most bang for their buck, Travelocity suggests booking early and knowing the best days to travel, especially since Independence Day this year falls between two weekends.