Ready for some fireworks? Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, the first time in nearly a decade. This means it's easier to plan a longer getaway for the holiday, but it also means it's going to be a busy one, as more people will take advantage of the time off.
Airfare is up this year—about 3.4-percent higher than usual—according to flight discovery site Going, but plenty of savvy travelers are finding deals. Going analyzed their Flight Alert trends to reveal which spots are surging in popularity for the holiday weekend.
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Chicago, Illinois has emerged as the most popular destination for the patriotic festivities, according to Going. It's no surprise, as the fireworks display at Navy Pier are routinely considered one of the best in the country. Prices are averaging about $502 roundtrip to visit Chicagoland for July 4th weekend.
Coming in second, Denver, Colorado is a draw for nature lovers seeking out mountain views as well as celestial fireworks. The city is also known for its free pre-Fourth bash called Indy Eve, with live music and a choreographed fireworks show Denver’s Civic Center Park. Average roundtrip flights will cost ya $537.
Some travelers are making the most of the holiday and heading abroad, such as with number three destination London, UK and number six locale San Juan, Puerto Rico. The former is "perfectly positioned as a gateway for exploring Western Europe, so it’s likely travelers stop in the Big Smoke for a night or two then head onwards via budget flight or train," says Going (airfare is averaging $1,719 for a round trip). Meanwhile, the latter is a warm-weather island favorite made all the more seamless that Americans can travel passport-free to Puerto Rico.
Elsewhere, San Diego is the spot for a coastal celebration, as the Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in Southern California; New York is a favorite for the iconic Macy's Fireworks Show, and Orlando is a go-to for its iconic theme parks, which always put on a show for the Fourth. Check out the full list of popular Fourth of July holiday destinations below.
The most popular travel destinations for July 4th weekend, per Going:
1. Chicago, Illinois
2. Denver, Colorado
3. London, United Kingdom
4. San Diego, California
5. New York, New York
6. San Juan, Puerto Rico
7. Seattle, Washington
8. Orlando, Florida