This year’s Fourth of July holiday is shaping up to be the busiest ever for travel, with AAA forecasting a record 72.2 million Americans taking trips over the long weekend.
A staggering 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car, representing a 1.3 million increase in drivers over last year. Experts say the combination of a Friday holiday and pent-up demand for summer getaways is behind the surge.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
Transportation analytics firm Inrix predicts July 2 and July 6 will be the most congested days on the roads. Travelers are advised to avoid driving during the peak afternoon hours, when highways will be congested with vacation traffic.
Here are some tips to help you plan:
- Worst time to travel: Midday to early evening hours each day. For example, on July 4 itself, the heaviest traffic is expected from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Best time to travel: Mornings are consistently the least crowded. On Independence Day, it is recommended to hit the road before noon.
- Other busy dates: July 2 (noon–9 p.m.) and July 6 (noon–6 p.m.) could see the longest delays.
With millions taking to the highways, AAA advises packing patience, watching for construction zones, and preparing for possible weather delays.
Source: Nexstart