Avoid Holiday Chaos: Essential July 4th Travel Tips for Drivers & Flyers

Avoid Holiday Chaos: Essential July 4th Travel Tips for Drivers & Flyers

By Lena
Lena

A Rare Friday Fourth of July

A Rare Friday Fourth of July (image credits: unsplash)
A Rare Friday Fourth of July (image credits: unsplash)

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

Travel Numbers Hit All-Time High (image credits: unsplash)
Travel Numbers Hit All-Time High (image credits: unsplash)

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

The Barbecue Connection (image credits: unsplash)
The Barbecue Connection (image credits: unsplash)

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

Extra Long Weekend, Extra Memories (image credits: pixabay)
Extra Long Weekend, Extra Memories (image credits: pixabay)

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

Planes, Cars, and Packed Roads (image credits: unsplash)
Planes, Cars, and Packed Roads (image credits: unsplash)

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

On the Road: Peak Traffic Alerts (image credits: unsplash)
On the Road: Peak Traffic Alerts (image credits: unsplash)

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

Rental Car Rush and Road Trip Readiness (image credits: flickr)
Rental Car Rush and Road Trip Readiness (image credits: flickr)

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

Prepare Your Car and Your Wallet (image credits: unsplash)
Prepare Your Car and Your Wallet (image credits: unsplash)

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

Don’t Forget Road Safety (image credits: unsplash)
Don’t Forget Road Safety (image credits: unsplash)

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

Flying for the Fourth: Be Ready (image credits: unsplash)
Flying for the Fourth: Be Ready (image credits: unsplash)

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.

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