61 Million Drivers Prepare to Hit the Road This 4th of July Weekend
AAA predicts that 61.6 million people will travel at least 50 miles by car, which is a 2.2 percent increase compared to last year.
Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, are expected to be the busiest days on the road.
As the long weekend around the Independence Day holiday begins, many Americans are preparing to hit the road. predicts that 72.2 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles or more domestically this 4th of July weekend. Of those 72.2 million, 61.6 million are planning to travel by car. This is a 2.2 percent increase in travel compared to 2024.
Those numbers add up to what's predicted to be the busiest 4th of July travel weekend ever. Last year during the same holiday week, AAA said it responded to around 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls due to dead batteries, flat tires, and other problems, so the insurance agency suggests bringing an emergency kit and making sure your vehicle's maintenance is up to date.
Gas prices are estimated to increase, but they are still the lowest they've been since 2021 according to the cost-saving app Gas Buddy, which says the average cost of gas in the U.S. stood at $3.14 per gallon as of June 30.
AAA states that anytime after noon is not the best time to drive, as traffic will most likely be the busiest. It is recommended to travel early in the morning to avoid congested traffic.
For those who are renting a car to travel with, Hertz expects that Thursday, July 3, will turn out to be the busiest pickup day. The most car rental pickups will be Orlando, Denver, Boston, Oahu, and Seattle, the rental company says.
If you think you can avoid busy travel by flying, you might be in for a disappointment. It is also predicted that air travel will set a new record high this year. It is estimated that around 5.8 million people will fly to their destination. This is a 1.4 percent increase over the previous record set during last year's Independence Day holiday week.
Where are all these people going? AAA says the top draws are beaches, cruises, and fireworks, with the top domestic destinations for the holiday being Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu, Hawaii; and New York, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, and Denver.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wisconsin deputies clock multiple drivers at 90+ mph ahead of holiday weekend
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – As holiday travel ramps up, authorities in Wisconsin are urging drivers to slow down and prioritize safety over speed. In a social media post, the Barron County Sheriff's Office said they've already stopped nine drivers going 90 miles per hour or faster. One photo shows a radar gun capturing a vehicle at 99 mph. Green Bay Police narrowly win 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive 'We thought F1 was awesome too, but we prefer people don't try to reenact it on our highways,' the post read. One critically injured, driver arrested for OWI after crash into Two Rivers home With the Fourth of July weekend expected to bring increased traffic, deputies are reminding motorists that getting to their destination safely is more important than getting there quickly. 'It's going to be an amazing weekend for America's birthday,' the sheriff's office said. 'Please help us ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. As always, we are out and about if you need us.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Stockholm seeing a huge increase in Canadian travellers in July: Skyscanner trending destination
Entering the height of summer travel, Canadians are looking to Sweden for their July vacations. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 79 per cent month-over-month increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to Stockholm. From the inviting Swedish culture to a large number of museums, shopping destinations and it's picturesque scenery, Stockholm is one of the most endearing cities to travel to. And July is a particularly perfect time to enjoy the Swedish capital. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner Stockholm is a city that has both historical charm, while also and leaning into modern design. Additionally, summer temperatures are staying at a particularly comfortable level for many visitors in July. "With long daylight hours and temperatures sitting comfortably in the low 20s, July is an ideal time to explore Stockholm's island-dotted cityscape," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. "The Swedish capital is at its most lively this time of year, with locals and visitors flocking to open-air cafes, waterfront parks, and music festivals that make the most of the sunshine." "The pastel buildings of Gamla Stan, the city's Old Town, feel like a storybook come to life, while neighbourhoods like Södermalm showcase the minimalist architecture and thoughtful urban planning that Scandinavian cities are known for. Every corner offers a contrast between old-world character and contemporary style, creating a rich visual experience for visitors." Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Stockholm in July can currently be found for as low as $961. Flights from Vancouver to Stockholm currently start at $1,180, or $1,004 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner To really get into the Swedish culture, travellers should participate in a Swedish fika, where you take a break with a coffee and sweet treat, engage in conversation and have a bit of a pause in the day. "No visit to Stockholm is complete without slowing down for a fika," Lindsay stated. "Many cafés in Stockholm offer an authentic fika experience, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a local tradition while soaking up the laid-back summer atmosphere." There are so many great cafés in Stockholm, but Komet is particularly delicious, so is Stora bageriet. For museum lovers, Stockholm has a lot to offer, including some unique experiences like the ABBA museum. "It's a great stop for anyone who grew up with their music or just wants a lively activity between exploring the city's historic sites," Lindsay highlighted. "The exhibits are playful and well-curated, making it an easy highlight for both families and solo travellers." There is also the Junibacken museum featuring everything Pippi Longstocking and the Vasa museum with a preserved 17th-century warship. Stockholm has some incredible shopping, so as you're biking through the city or taking a stroll through Kungsträdgården, make sure to take a look in some local shops. Stockholm is home to the popular brands like Acne Studios, Filippa K and the accessories brand Liffner. For beauty lovers, Cow Parfymeri has a great collection of makeup, skincare, hair and other beauty products that are hard or impossible to find in Canada, while the Swedish brand L:a Bruket makes the best lip balms you will ever try. Of course, you need to try Swedish meatballs when you travel to Sweden, and Meatballs For the People in Stockholm is a great choice, with a variety of different options to choose from. Hotel Frantz is a great option for a stay in Stockholm, from its location to the incredibly aesthetic rooms, it's sure to be a hit. The building's history goest back to 1647 and the most recent renovation really preserved the historic features of the property, but that also means there isn't an elevator to get to your room. The hotel's restaurant is certainly worth trying, specifically the morning breakfast buffet is one of the best you'll ever have, including cardamom buns, cakes, local cheeses and breads. The Grand Hôtel in Stockholm will provide the true five star hotel experience, overlooking Stockholm's old town. The property also features a luxurious spa and fitness area, and you can take in the beautiful waterfront view at the Veranda restaurant. The NOFO Hotel is a particularly chic property, located in the Södermalm area of Stockholm. The interior is inspired by travel memories from owners Marie and Glenn Tammemägi, and there is a beautiful courtyard and a popular wine bar at the hotel. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Continuous turn lane project on SH 34 set for July 14 start
PARIS – A roadway improvement project on State Highway 34 in Hunt County is set to begin this month, Texas Department of Transportation officials announced Wednesday. The $4.1 million project will add a continuous left-turn lane between Traders Road and Farm-to-Market Road 1570 on SH 34. The construction will include culvert extensions, roadway widening, pavement overlay and new striping, TxDOT said. Baker & Company Construction LLC has been given 144 working days to complete the job, weather permitting. The contractor is scheduled to begin setting up barricades and message boards Monday to alert drivers of upcoming construction. Work is expected to begin the following Monday, with a target completion date of February 2026. Lane closures are expected throughout the duration of the project.
