Skip to main content

Travel traffic: This 4th of July could be the busiest yet

Don't stress: What to know about 4th of July travel this year

Congested traffic on highway
Daniel Lee / Unsplash

On July 4th, we celebrate our nation’s independence by spending time with friends and family and enjoying fun foods and fireworks. Visiting the coast or lighting up the grill provides the perfect background for a cheeseburger and an ice-cold pale ale. It’s good old-fashioned Americana.

Recommended Videos

Some years, the Fourth of July occurs at an ideal time, creating a nice opportunity for a long weekend. This year, there’s a perfect Thursday through Sunday window, giving travelers more time to unwind under the sun. But with that comes a drawback: record travel activity.

Recently, AAA reported on what’s expected to be a congested period on roads and runways. Here’s what you need to know.

Independence Day 2024: Record traffic on your way to celebrate

People in Miami Airport terminal
Ri_Ya via Pixabay

This July 4th travel period (6/29-7/7), AAA forecasts 70.9 million people to travel over 50 miles from home. That represents a 5% increase over 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019. Let’s delve into the data. 

The estimate includes 60.6 million traveling via car — an increase of 2.8 million since last year. 5.74 million airline passengers are expected to take to the skies, for a 7% uptick year over year. Over 4.6 million are projected to go via trains, buses, and cruises, up by 9% since 2023. 

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, expanded on the stats, saying, “With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day.”

She continued, “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

The Associated Press noted that — in contrast to inflation in other areas — travel-related expenses have decreased in the past year. In May, hotel costs were down by 1.2% compared to 2023, and gas was at a reasonable $3.43 per gallon, a 12-cent yearly drop.

July 4th lets you celebrate and unwind with friends and family. But if you’re hitting the road — or the air, sea, or railways — be prepared for record crowds. Arriving at the airport two hours early and driving in the morning helps you avoid congestion on your way to good times. The journey might be arduous this year, but the long weekend makes it worth it.

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
Flying with your golf gear? Here’s how to pack golf clubs for a flight
This is how to get your golf clubs to your destination in one piece
Golf clubs in a golf bag on a golf course.

Packing for a golf trip? Before you can tee off, you’ll face a unique challenge – getting your golf clubs to your destination in one piece. After doing the research, I can safely say that packing your golf clubs for a flight requires a bit of planning to ensure they survive the journey intact. But the time and effort are worth it (the last thing you want is to find out your driver didn’t survive baggage handling). So don’t worry – I’m here to help! Here’s a guide on how to pack golf clubs for a flight.
Tips to keep your golf clubs safe during air travel

Follow these steps to keep your golf gear safe no matter how much it gets tossed around.
Invest in a quality golf travel bag
First things first, you need a travel bag that’s up to the task. There are two main types of travel golf bags to choose from: soft-shell and hard-shell travel bags. Here’s what you should consider when making your choice:

Read more
Here’s what to wear on a plane (with the help of travel experts)
Insights on what to avoid when picking a travel outfit
Person rolling luggage through the airport

From the days of flying in your Sunday best to wearing those velour tracksuits, plane attire has changed a lot over the years. Picking out what to wear these days could mean wearing your pajamas or choosing your favorite outfit to go out in right when you land.

But there are some definite don'ts when it comes to your wardrobe for the flight, no matter what. I’ll never forget when I decided to wear brand-new, tight jeans to the airport without thinking twice. Big mistake. Halfway through my flight, I was shifting in my seat and counting down the hours until I could peel them off.

Read more
How to pack shoes in a suitcase (without sacrificing space)
This is how to make packing your shoes a piece of cake
Shoes sitting on top of a suitcase

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to pack shoes in a suitcase, you aren’t alone. Figuring out how to pack shoes has always been one of those little travel dilemmas for me. The struggle of figuring out how to fit them all in without wasting precious space or ending up with dirty soles touching your clothes can feel like a puzzle and not the fun kind. I’ve made my share of packing mistakes (who hasn't over-packed shoes at least once?), but over the years, I’ve learned some easy tricks that make shoe-packing easier. Here are some tips to help you pack your shoes smarter.
Choose the right shoes for your trip

Before we get into the packing tips, let’s talk about what you’re packing. Overpacking shoes is a common mistake (one I’ve made a few times). Ideally, you should limit yourself to 2–3 pairs, depending on the length and type of trip.

Read more