Peak and Least Ideal Travel Times over Fourth of July Weekend
Get ready for a busy road trip this July 4th weekend! According to INRIX, July 3 is set to be the busiest day for car rental pick-ups, with July 2 and July 6 following closely as the busiest days on the road. This year, a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day period (June 28 to July 6), marking a significant increase of 1.7 million compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
The timing of the holiday, falling on a Friday, is a key factor contributing to this travel boom. It allows travelers to enjoy either a long weekend or an extended vacation by taking additional days off, increasing the appeal of travel plans and contributing to higher travel volumes.
Pent-up demand for summer getaways is another driving force behind the record travel figures. After prior travel seasons, many people are eager to take trips, boosting travel numbers significantly. This year, both road trips and air travel are expected to see a rise, with 61.6 million people planning to travel by car—a record high and a 2.2% increase over the previous year—and about 5.84 million flyers, marking a 1.4% increase over last year.
Despite recent increases due to geopolitical tensions, gas prices remain relatively low compared to previous years, encouraging more road travel. Summer gas prices are at their lowest level in 4 years, despite tensions in the Middle East. As of Thursday, the national average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.16, down from $3.51 a year ago.
However, travelers should be aware of potential traffic congestion. INRIX predicts that July 2 and July 6 will be the busiest days on the road, with the most congestion starting in the afternoon. The worst traffic congestion, heavy delays on roads, is expected to occur during midday to early evening, especially from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4. To avoid the worst traffic, drivers should hit the road in the morning.
To help you plan your journey, here's a summary of the best and worst times to travel during this holiday weekend:
| **Travel Timing** | **Traffic Conditions** | **Recommendation** | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Mornings (before noon on July 4) | Least crowded, smoother travel | *Best time to start your trip* | | July 2 (noon–9 p.m.) and July 6 (noon–6 p.m.) | Other peak congestion periods | *Heavy traffic expected, plan accordingly* | | Midday to early evening (especially 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4) | Worst traffic congestion, heavy delays on roads | *Avoid traveling during these hours* |
Packing patience and emergency supplies is also advised due to the high volume of travelers. So, gear up for a smooth journey and enjoy your Independence Day holiday!
While planning your road trip this Independence Day weekend, consider the busiest days for travel, as July 2 and July 6 are predicted to have significant traffic congestion, particularly during the afternoons. To save on fuel, this year's summer gas prices are at their lowest level in four years, making road trips more affordable.
With a record-breaking number of Americans intending to travel by car, it's crucial to manage your finances, as extra travel expenses can put a strain on your savings. To lessen the financial burden, be diligent about finding the best deals and discounts for car rentals, accommodation, and attractions.
Once you've safely reached your destination and have some downtime, consider exploring local businesses and attractions to contribute to the local economy and support local entrepreneurs. By doing so, you'll be enriching your travel experience and helping to sustain the economy during recovering times. Happy travels!
