4 ways to save on July 4th travel this year, according to KAYAK data

4 ways to save on July 4th travel this year, according to KAYAK data

As Americans gear up for summer travel, there’s some good news: airfare prices are finally easing. According to KAYAK’s airfare trends dashboard, both domestic and international fares are trending down for the first time in weeks — a promising sign for travelers planning summer and early fall getaways.

With just two weeks until one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, KAYAK uncovered a few standout Fourth of July travel trends and savings opportunities:

1. Avoid the July 2 rush

Timing matters more than many travelers realize.

July 2 is shaping up to be the busiest day for domestic July 4th travel. It's also one of the most expensive, with average airfares running about 25% higher than flights on July 4 itself.

Travelers who can shift their departure to July 3 or July 4 may find better prices and more availability. Average airfare on July 4 is currently $286, compared with $380 on July 1 and July 2.

For holiday travelers, a one- or two-day shift can make a meaningful difference in cost.

2. Don't Overlook These Trending Destinations with Great Value

Some of the destinations seeing the biggest increases in traveler search interest this July 4th also happen to be among the more affordable options.

• Fort Lauderdale: $281 average airfare (+32% increase in traveler interest year over year)
• West Palm Beach: $305 average airfare (+25%)
• Las Vegas: $320 average airfare (+22%)

These destinations are attracting significantly more traveler interest than they did last year while maintaining relatively accessible airfares.

For travelers looking to maximize value this holiday weekend, they offer proof that affordability and growing interest don't always have to be mutually exclusive.

3. Compare Flying and Driving Before You Book

Many travelers may assume renting a car and driving is the more budget-friendly option. But that's not always the case.

According to AAA, the national average for gas prices is up 33% compared to last year, so travelers may be surprised by how competitive flying can be on some routes once fuel costs, mileage, and rental car prices are factored in.

Take a trip from New York to Washington, D.C., for example. This trip calculator found that for two travelers planning to rent a car, flying would cost approximately $173 less than driving.

For travelers weighing their options this holiday weekend, comparing the full cost of both transportation methods can reveal savings opportunities that aren't immediately obvious.

4. Consider Hawai‘i, Where Prices Are Falling

While many destinations are seeing higher prices this holiday weekend (*cough* Nashville), Hawai‘i shows the opposite.

KAYAK data shows airfare to four Hawaiian islands is down compared to last July 4th:

• Lihue, Kaua‘i: $652 average airfare (-13%)
• Honolulu, Oahu: $671 average airfare (-9%)
• Kahului, Maui: $683 average airfare (-8%)
• Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawai’i: $687 average airfare (-7%)

Those declines represent savings of up to $99 per ticket, making Hawai‘i one of the destinations where travelers can pay less than they did a year ago.

For travelers who have been eyeing a Hawaiian getaway, this year may offer a better opportunity than expected. With airlines adding routes and increasing access to the islands, travelers are benefiting from more competition and lower fares than they saw last July 4th.

The Bottom Line

Some of the best July 4th travel values are hiding in plain sight. Travelers who look beyond the busiest travel days, compare destinations more carefully, and evaluate the full cost of a trip can find more savings than they might expect.

This story was produced by KAYAK and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.