You’re not alone if a roadtrip is on your itinerary for the 4th of July holiday.
According to AAA, TravelPulse reported that a record number of Americans are expected to travel by car this year. The number of Americans driving to their destination will reach a staggering 43.2 million, which is a 2.4 percent increase over 2022.
Gas prices are much lower than they were a year ago, and this may have contributed to the increase in road trips.
Car travelers are expected to outnumber all other options during the July 4th holiday. Around 85.2 percent will drive to their destinations over the holiday. This compares to only 8.2 percent who will fly and just 6.6 percent who will use “other” modes of transportation.
If you are planning to travel over the holidays, it is important that you plan carefully and strategically.
INRIX, who works with AAA to make holiday travel predictions, says that Friday is likely to be the busiest day, with travel times nearly 30 percent longer than normal. Transportation data and insight provider, INRIX, also predicts the worst traffic in major metropolises like Washington D.C. Boston and Seattle.
Bob Pishue said, “With record-breaking travel expected this holiday weekend, motorists should be prepared for delays above average to their favorite destination,” in a press release.
According to INRIX, Sunday and Monday are expected to have minimal traffic.
Take a look at this article to find out when it’s best and worst to travel over the holidays.
Holiday Driving Guide
The best time to drive is:
Thursday, June 29, before noon
Friday, June 30, before 10 a.m.
Saturday, July 1, before noon
Tuesday, July 4, before 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 5, before 2 p.m.
The worst time to drive is:
Thursday, June 29, between 4 and 6 pm
Friday, June 30, between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 1, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4, between noon and 3 pm
Wednesday, July 5, between 3 and 6 pm