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Road-Ready: Essential driving travel tips for your 4th of July getaway

Jul 1, 2024, 3:03 PM | Updated: Jul 7, 2024, 3:31 pm

Road-Ready: Essential travel tips for your 4th of July getaway

AAA is expecting a record number of travelers over 4th of July weekend.  Here are a few tips to keep your trip running smoothly.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever.”

Nearly 71 million people are expected to make trips for the Independence Day travel period, AAA predicts.

The best times to hit the road is before 10am, while the heaviest traffic is expected between 2p-7p.

Make sure your car is packed with essentials like jumper cables, a first aid kit, snacks, and water.

Another cost to consider is tolls. Not all states have them, but check your route on Toll Guru to see how much change you might need on hand or how much money to have loaded on the E-ZP Pass.

Be prepared for the weather across the U.S.  The Southern U.S. will be dealing with serious summer heat this weekend, with record highs expected in the Southwest.  The Northern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast could see thunderstorms that will interfere with travel plans.

Check the travel forecast from the National Weather Service

4th of July travel alert: Expect delays at Denver International Airport

What’s open or closed in Colorado on July 4th? What you need to know

 

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Road-Ready: Essential driving travel tips for your 4th of July getaway