Remember a few short summers ago when we were mostly locked in our houses, scared of the dangers that lurked outside our own four walls?
Those days are officially over as AAA predicts a record-breaking amount of travelers for the most American of holidays -- the Fourth of July.
An estimated 50.7 million Americans are forecast to travel for the holiday weekend, according to AAA. That’s nearly 2.1 million more travelers than last year’s holiday and almost 1.8 million more than the previous high, set in 2019.
Peak congestion between Chicago and Indianapolis is expected to hit at 5 p.m Wednesday while the route from Cleveland to Detroit is expected to see the heaviest volumes at 10 a.m. Friday. Houston to Galveston is expected to peak traffic-wise at 11 a.m. Saturday; Los Angeles to Los Vegas at 6 p.m. Sunday and Minneapolis to Eau Claire at 6 p.m. Wednesday. New York to the Jersey Shore will peak at 5 p.m. Friday; San Francisco to Sacramento at noon on Friday, with 48% more travel time anticipated.
“Independence Day weekend appears to be the continuation of what has already been a very strong summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in a press release. “Although airfares and hotel rates are more expensive than last year, Michigan residents are still eager to travel. So, expect to see congested roads, busy hotels, and long lines at airports and attractions.”
By the numbers, 42.3 million Americans are expected to hit the road in a car while 4.17 million brave a flight.
With nearly 85% of all travelers taking a road trip. AAA predicts that'll make for a little over 1 million more people on the road than last year.
While that will undoubtedly mean for more congestion -- pack your patience! -- the upside is that drivers are likely to pay well below what they paid during last year’s holiday. The Michigan average was $4.94 per gallon on July 4th, 2022. So far this summer, gas prices have been somewhat erratic, but the state average has remained below $3.65 per gallon, thanks to the lower cost of oil.
If you're hitting the open highway, keep in mind that INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday, June 30 to be the busiest day on the roads during the Independence Day holiday weekend, with average travel times up nearly 30% over normal. Major metros like Boston, Seattle, and Washington, DC are expected to see the worst traffic.
Hint: INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
“With record-breaking travelers expected on the road this holiday weekend, drivers should prepare for above-average delays to their favorite destinations,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Using traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services are key to minimizing holiday travel traffic frustrations this Independence Day.”