This Independence Day, Orlando is expected to be the most visited city in the country. The forecast from AAA comes as travel is surging nationwide with more than 72 million Americans planning domestic trips.
Travel is up 3% from last year nationwide, making this holiday period one of the busiest on record. The spike is driven by a combination of increased consumer confidence, extended holiday weekends and the appeal of destinations like Central Florida.
ALSO READ: How to celebrate the Fourth of July across the Tampa Bay area
For the week ending Sunday, AAA projects that 4.6 million Floridians will travel for the holiday—many of them headed to or through Orlando. The increase means AAA is preparing for a high volume of roadside assistance calls across the state.
“Orlando is typically the No. 1 destination on our list, because people who are booking travel with AAA are often traveling as a family, and the No. 1 family travel destination is Orlando,” said Mark Jenkins, manager of public relations and Florida spokesperson for AAA.
With its theme parks, proximity to beaches and nearby cruise ports, Orlando continues to attract families seeking summer escapes.
Beyond Orlando, Florida dominates the top 10 national travel destinations, with Fort Lauderdale ranking fifth and Miami coming in eighth, further boosting demand for flights and cruises departing from the Sunshine State.
“This year, we’re seeing strong demand for road trips, flights and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday,” stated Debbie Haas, vice president of AAA Travel. “This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones.”
Orlando International Airport expects 1.43 million passengers will travel through the airport from this past Sunday through Monday, with the busiest travel date this Sunday.
Tampa International Airport predicts 364,000 passengers will pass through from Thursday to Monday.
Jenkins says economic indicators are encouraging more families to hit the road. With inflation slowing and gas prices stabilizing, Americans appear more willing to spend on leisure and travel during the second half of summer.
Still, AAA warns drivers and flyers to prepare for congestion and delays. Travelers are advised to monitor weather conditions, plan ahead for heavy traffic, and allow extra time for flights during peak periods.
Copyright 2025 Central Florida Public Media
