Planning a trip for the Fourth of July? Here’s what you need to know to avoid the worst traffic and make the most of your holiday travel, according to AAA.

Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

This year, nearly 71 million Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, making it the busiest travel period ever for this holiday. From Saturday, June 29, to Sunday, July 7, AAA forecasts that 70.9 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home. Of these, a staggering 60.6 million people are anticipated to hit the road.

This surge in travel represents a 5% increase compared to last year and an 8% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Best and Worst Travel Times

For those driving, the best time to avoid traffic is in the mornings. According to AAA, the worst times to travel by car are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. ahead of the holiday. If you’re planning to return on Monday, July 8, it’s best to avoid rush hour traffic in both the morning and afternoon.

Surprisingly, the best day for traffic is expected to be Monday, July 1.

Gas Prices and Road Travel

Despite the expected traffic, there’s a silver lining: gas prices are anticipated to drop as the holiday approaches. Currently, the national average is $3.47 per gallon, down from last year’s average of $3.53 per gallon at the same time, , according to AAA.

Air Travel and Other Modes of Transport

Air travel is also seeing a significant uptick. AAA estimates that 5.74 million people will fly over the Fourth of July holiday, marking a nearly 7% increase from last year. Despite the increase in air travelers, domestic airfare is about 2% cheaper this year, with the average roundtrip ticket costing $800.

In addition to driving and flying, over 4.6 million people are expected to travel by buses, cruises, and trains.

Summary

With record numbers of Americans traveling this Fourth of July, planning your trip carefully can save you time and stress. Aim to drive in the mornings to avoid peak traffic, and consider traveling on Monday, July 1, for the best road conditions. Enjoy the benefit of lower gas prices and slightly cheaper airfare, and have a fantastic holiday!