A Rare Friday Fourth of July

For the first time in over ten years, Independence Day lands on a Friday, giving many Americans a golden opportunity for a long weekend getaway.
Travel Numbers Hit All-Time High

A record 72.2 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6, according to AAA. That’s up 1.7 million from last year.
The Barbecue Connection

Fourth of July and barbecue go hand in hand—celebrations across the country will see grills fired up as part of the holiday tradition.
Extra Long Weekend, Extra Memories

AAA notes that with the holiday on a Friday, travelers have more flexibility—some will opt for a three-day weekend, while others may stretch their break for a full week of family fun.
Planes, Cars, and Packed Roads

This year will see record numbers of travelers by both air and road. Over 61 million are expected to drive, and nearly 6 million will take to the skies during the travel window.
On the Road: Peak Traffic Alerts

INRIX predicts that the busiest travel times will be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, especially in the afternoons. The best times to drive are before noon on weekdays and before 11 a.m. on weekends.
Rental Car Rush and Road Trip Readiness

Thursday, July 3, is projected to be the peak day for rental car pickups. Experts recommend mapping your route in advance, identifying rest stops, and packing an emergency kit—including essentials like water, snacks, chargers, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
Prepare Your Car and Your Wallet

Last July 4th, AAA assisted nearly 700,000 roadside emergencies. Routine car maintenance and checking summer gas prices (the lowest since 2021) on apps like GasBuddy can help avoid headaches on the road.
Don’t Forget Road Safety

Plan to take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, even if you’re not tired. July 5 is historically the busiest day for roadside breakdowns, so remain vigilant after the fireworks end.
Flying for the Fourth: Be Ready

The TSA is preparing to screen over 18.5 million flyers from July 1–7, with Sunday, July 6, being the busiest. Travelers should pack patience, bring their Real ID, check airline apps for updates, reserve parking, and use TSA PreCheck if available.

Lena is a thoughtful and imaginative writer with a passion for storytelling across the themes of travel, environmental sustainability, and contemporary home aesthetics. With a background in cultural media and a strong visual sensibility, Anna Lena creates content that bridges inspiration with practical insight.
Her work explores the interplay between place, lifestyle, and design—guiding readers through meaningful travel experiences, eco-conscious choices, and modern approaches to living well. Known for her elegant writing style and attention to detail, she brings a fresh, human-centered perspective to every topic she covers.
Anna Lena contributes to digital publications and editorial projects where aesthetics meet purpose. Her writing not only informs but also encourages readers to live more intentionally, sustainably, and beautifully—wherever they are in the world.