Traffic jam on highway. Millions of Americans will hit the road for July 4th - learn the secrets of the best (and worst) times to travel!

Avoid Traffic This Fourth Of July Weekend: Need To Know Travel Info From AAA!

🚨 Millions of Americans will hit the road for July 4th – learn the secrets of the best (and worst) times to travel! 🇺🇸 #News #Travel #Traffic

EDINA, MN – As the stars and stripes wave proudly across the nation, millions of Americans are gearing up for an epic Independence Day getaway. Let’s dive into the travel trends, tips, and tactics to make your holiday journey as smooth as a well-oiled BBQ grill.

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🚗 Road Warriors: The Great American Drive

Americans are hitting the highways in record numbers this Fourth of July. A staggering 60.6 million road trippers are expected to clock 50+ miles, surpassing both last year’s figures and pre-pandemic levels. It’s like the entire population of Italy decided to take a road trip!

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But before you gas up and go, consider this:

  • Worst day for driving: Friday, June 28
  • Peak congestion hours: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Traffic increase: Up to 30% above normal

Pro tip: Aim to leave before 10 am or after 6 pm to dodge the worst of the gridlock.

Woman holds American flag and sparklers.

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✈️ Sky-High Adventures: Taking to the Friendly Skies

While road trips reign supreme, air travel is soaring to new heights. A projected 5.74 million folks will be winging their way to holiday destinations. That’s a 7% increase from last year and a whopping 12% jump from 2019.

The cherry on top? Domestic airfares are actually 2% cheaper than last year.

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🚢 All Aboard: Cruises, Trains, and Buses Oh My!

Don’t forget about the other modes of transport! Over 4.6 million travelers will be cruising, training, or busing their way to celebration stations. While it’s a 9% uptick from 2023, it’s still shy of 2019’s numbers.

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🕰️ Timing is Everything: When to Hit the Road

Let’s break down the best and worst times to travel, day by day:

  • June 29: Avoid 4-6 pm, aim for before noon
  • June 30: Steer clear of 10 am-6 pm
  • July 1: Dodge 1 pm, shoot for before noon
  • July 2-3: Smooth sailing, minimal impact before noon. Worst times are between 2 pm-7pm
  • July 4: Skip 2-7 pm, target before 11 am or after 8 pm
  • July 5: Beat the 11 am-4 pm rush, leave before 10 am
Best and Worst Times to Travel - infographic by AAA
Courtesy: AAA

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🌆 City Slicker Alert: Metro Madness

If you’re in or heading to major metros like Boston, Seattle, or Washington DC, brace yourself. These cities are expected to see the most dramatic traffic surges. Consider it your patriotic duty to plan ahead! Hehe.

Fourth of July picnic food.

🎆 The Grand Finale: Why We’re Traveling More

Paula Twidale from AAA Travel sums it up nicely in a press release: “With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day.”

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It’s a perfect storm of pent-up wanderlust, flexible work arrangements, and good old-fashioned American spirit. The result? A record-breaking 71 million travelers painting the country red, white, and blue this Fourth of July weekend.

Remember, folks: Whether you’re road-tripping, jet-setting, or cruise-controlling, a little planning goes a long way. May your travels be as smooth as apple pie! Now, who’s ready to celebrate America’s birthday in style?

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Read the full report from AAA here.

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