Fourth of July travel period begins
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Record 4th Of July Travel Expected — The Best And Worst Times To Hit The Road In CA
A record 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car during the upcoming holiday weekend, according to AAA. The extended Independence Day holiday travel period begins Saturday, June 28, and continues through Sunday, July 6. Domestic travel is expected to increase by 1.7 million people compared to 2024 and by 7 million more than in pre-pandemic 2019. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes or severe weather could affect travel times. If possible, travelers leaving Los Angeles should avoid the southbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway to San Diego on June 28. They should also avoid southbound Las Vegas (15) from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on Sunday,. July 6, during the peak congestion time at 5 p.m. In general, the best and worst times to travel throughout the general holiday period are the best before and after the holiday period on July 4th. In California, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline was $4.61 per gallon as of Friday.
The extended Independence Day holiday travel period begins Saturday, June 28, and continues through Sunday, July 6. (Paige Austin/Patch)
California residents planning a road trip over the long 4th of July holiday can expect to share the road with more than 61 million other motorists, according to a travel forecast from AAA that projects 72.2 million people overall will travel at least 50 miles from home to celebrate Independence Day.
The extended Independence Day holiday travel period begins Saturday, June 28, and continues through Sunday, July 6. Domestic travel is expected to increase by 1.7 million people compared to 2024 and by 7 million more than in pre-pandemic 2019. “Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, said in a news release, noting the 4th of July forecast comes after a record-setting travel forecast for Memorial Day.
If You’re Traveling By Car A record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more than last year, or an increase of 2.2 percent.
Drivers are seeing some increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021. The price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side, but escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States could affect the price of gas in California. In California, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline was $4.61 per gallon as of Friday. That compares to $4.65 a gallon a week ago, $4.84 a month ago and $4.80 a year ago.
Weather is also a wild card. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, and that could affect refineries along the Gulf Coast and disrupt fuel deliveries, causing a temporary increase in gas prices. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Last July 4th week, the auto club said it responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their cars or running out of gas.
When To Get Out Of Los Angeles AAA’s transportation data partner, INRIX, expects the afternoons of Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, to be the busiest travel days, with the most congested traffic during the afternoon hours. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes or severe weather could affect travel times. If possible, travelers leaving Los Angeles should avoid the southbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway to San Diego on June 28, during the peak congestion time at 5 p.m. They should also avoid the southbound Las Vegas (15) from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on Sunday, July 6, during the peak congestion time at 5 p.m. When To Get Out Of San Diego AAA’s transportation data partner, INRIX, expects the afternoons of Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, to be the busiest travel days, with the most congested traffic during the afternoon hours. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes or severe weather could affect travel times.
If possible, travelers leaving San Diego should avoid the northbound I-15 Freeway to Palm Springs on Wednesday, July 2, during the peak congestion time at 5:45 p.m. On their return home, they should avoid the southbound I-15 on Saturday, July 5, during the peak congestion time at 3 p.m. When To Get Out Of San Francisco AAA’s transportation data partner, INRIX, expects the afternoons of Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, to be the busiest travel days, with the most congested traffic during the afternoon hours. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes or severe weather could affect travel times. If possible, travelers leaving San Francisco should avoid the eastbound I-80 Freeway to Sacramento on Wednesday, July 2, during the peak congestion time at 5:30 p.m. On their return home, they should avoid the westbound I-80 on Sunday, July 6, during the peak congestion time at 4:30 p.m. In general, here are the best and worst times to travel throughout the holiday period:
Saturday, June 28 Best: before 10 a.m.
Worst: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29 Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: 2 to 4 p.m Monday, June 30 Best: before noon
Worst: 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 Best: before 2 p.m.
Worst: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2
Best: before noon
Worst: noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 3 Best: before noon
Worst: 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 4 Best: before noon
Worst: noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6 Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: noon to 6 p.m. Other Travel
Travel expert: Some already on July 4th vacations
Travel expert: Some already on July 4th vacations. National average for a gallon of gas is currently $3.20 a gallon. AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home, that’s nearly 2 million more people than last year. For those staying close by, there’s plenty happening locally.. On Friday, large crowds turned out for “Gospel on Independence” as part of Wawa Welcome America.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — According to AAA, the official July 4th holiday travel period begins Saturday, June 28, and runs through Sunday, July 6.
However, travel experts say some people have already begun their July 4th vacations.
“I’ve had people leave as early as Wednesday this week just because they have that longer weekend with the holiday falling on a Friday. They’ve got more time to go and have that extra time to enjoy the drive and enjoy their vacation,” said Philadelphia-area travel agent Nikki Hill.
MORE | Looking for fireworks near you in the Philadelphia area? Check out this list
Whether it’s out of the Delaware Valley or just down the shore, people are, or will be, on the move.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is currently $3.20 a gallon.
In New Jersey, it’s $3.18 a gallon, in Pennsylvania, it’s $3.39 a gallon, and in Delaware, it’s $3.23 a gallon.
All prices are up by a few cents over the last week. Some, like Bryanna Bravo, who will head to the DC area, are opting not to drive.
“I’m going to take the train. I just think the train is more convenient,” said Bravo of West Philadelphia.
Nationwide, AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home, that’s nearly 2 million more people than last year.
However, for those staying close by, there’s plenty happening locally.
On Friday, large crowds turned out for “Gospel on Independence” as part of Wawa Welcome America. Events span more than two weeks, drawing thousands leading up to the 4th.
“We’ve had great turnout since the first day of the festival on Juneteenth, really big crowds, people coming out, really enjoying themselves. There’s a vibe and an energy in Philadelphia that is palpable, people are ready to celebrate together, and we think that that’s going to translate on July 4th as well,” said Wawa Welcome America President & CEO, Michael DelBene.
Record 4th Of July Travel Expected; When To Get Out Of NJ Metros
A record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more than last year. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes, or severe weather could affect travel times. If possible, travelers leaving the NJ-NY metro area should avoid the Garden State Parkway going to the Jersey Shore during the peak congestion time at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. On their return home, drivers should avoid I-87 S from Albany to NY during thepeak congestion time on Sunday, July 6. In general, here are the best and worst times to travel throughout the holiday period: Saturday, June 28 Best: before 10 a.m., Sunday, June 29 Best: noon-5 p. m., Monday, June 30 Best: Before noon, Tuesday, June 1 Best: 2-6 p.M., Wednesday, July 2.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said. (Shutterstock)
New Jersey residents planning a road trip over the long 4th of July holiday can expect to share the road with more than 61 million other motorists, according to a travel forecast from AAA that projects 72.2 million people overall will travel at least 50 miles from home to celebrate Independence Day.
The extended Independence Day holiday travel period begins Saturday, June 28, and continues through Sunday, July 6. Domestic travel is expected to increase by 1.7 million people compared to 2024 and by 7 million more than in pre-pandemic 2019. “Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, said in a news release, noting the 4th of July forecast comes after a record-setting travel forecast for Memorial Day.
If You’re Traveling By Car
A record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more than last year, or an increase of 2.2 percent. Drivers are seeing some increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021. The price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side, but escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States could affect the price of gas in New Jersey.
In New Jersey, the price of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.185 a gallon as of Friday. That compares to $3.124 a gallon a week ago, $3.055 a month ago and $3.368 a year ago. Weather is also a wild card. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, and that could affect refineries along the Gulf Coast and disrupt fuel deliveries, causing a temporary increase in gas prices.
AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Last July 4th week, the auto club said it responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their cars or running out of gas. When To Get Out Of New Jersey
AAA’s transportation data partner, INRIX, expects the afternoons of Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, to be the busiest travel days, with the most congested traffic during the afternoon hours.
Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but should also be aware that construction, crashes, or severe weather could affect travel times. If possible, travelers leaving the NJ-NY metro area should avoid the Garden State Parkway going to the Jersey Shore during the peak congestion time at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. On their return home, drivers should avoid I-87 S from Albany to NY during the peak congestion time at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. In general, here are the best and worst times to travel throughout the holiday period: Saturday, June 28 Best: before 10 a.m.
Worst: noon-5 p.m. Sunday, June 29
Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: 2-4 p.m Monday, June 30 Best: before noon
Worst: 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 Best: before 2 p.m.
Worst: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 Best: before noon
Worst: noon-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3 Best: before noon
Worst: 2-6 p.m. Friday, July 4
Best: before noon
Worst: noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6 Best: before 11 a.m.
Worst: noon-6 p.m. Other Travel
A record 5.84 million people, or 8 percent of all Independence Day travelers, are expected to fly to their Fourth of July destinations. This year’s projection is a 1.4 percent increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers. Travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4 percent over last year. AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise. This year’s number is just shy of the 2019 record of 4.79 million. Cruising is driving the popularity of this category, particularly at this time of year, when the Alaska cruise season is in full swing.