Independence Day Holiday Travel: Top Destinations, Worst Drive Times

by Donald Wood
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Sat June 22, 2024

With AAA projecting that 70.9 million Americans will travel
50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period, it is time
to look at the top domestic and international destinations.

Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage are popular destinations
due to the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. At the same time,
beaches in South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and Barcelona are in high
demand. Historical sites in European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris,
and Athens are also in high demand.

Domestically, Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu, Miami,
New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Denver, and Anaheim/Los Angeles
rounded out the Top 10 destinations. As for international travelers, Vancouver,
London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, Calgary, Amsterdam, Punta Cana, Athens, and
Barcelona made up the top hotspots. 

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of
remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,”
AAA Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale said. “We anticipate this July
4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people
traveling compared to 2019.”

As for the worst times to hit the road during the busy
holiday travel period, transportation data provider INRIX revealed the worst
times to travel by car before and on July 4th are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
local time. 

To avoid the congestion, drivers should hit the road in the
morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8, should avoid rush hour
traffic in the morning and afternoon.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic
delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they
return,” INRIX analyst Bob Pishue said. “Road trips over the holiday week could
take up to 67 percent longer than normal.”

“Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations,
and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions,” Pishue continued. 

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