July 2 (Reuters) - The number of Americans traveling early next week is expected to see a slight increase this year, supported by the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and its co-hosting of the World Cup, despite rising airfares and fuel costs that are impacting some travelers' holiday plans.

Data from the American Automobile Association indicates that 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 80 kilometers from their homes for Independence Day between June 27 and July 5, a slight increase from 71.8 million last year, although this increase is less than the recent annual increases.

While Americans continue to travel in record numbers, the pace of growth is slowing, as war-induced spikes in crude oil and jet fuel prices drive up costs, putting pressure on household budgets and prompting travelers to reconsider their plans, with a heat wave expected to further complicate travel decisions.

However, this period is expected to test consumer resilience, as high travel costs clash with the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, major cities are expected to experience the heaviest traffic. The American Automobile Association noted increased demand for destinations like New York, Chicago, and Boston, where fireworks and holiday celebrations are major tourist attractions.

The travel agency Hotplanner reported that hotel bookings in Washington, D.C., over the weekend were five times higher than last year, and average room rates were up 35 percent.

Data analytics firm AirDNA notes that cities hosting crucial World Cup knockout matches have seen a surge in demand, with tourist rentals jumping 68 percent in Miami ahead of the clash between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cape Verde.

Texas was also among the winners, benefiting from the rare overlap between World Cup matches in Dallas and Houston, as well as the 250th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the United States across the state.