How You Can Prepare for the ‘Busiest Ever’ 4th of July

TThe American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that this July 4th holiday week will be the “busiest ever,” breaking records in many ways, with 70.9 million travelers traveling 50 miles or more from home.

Due to the rise in virtual and hybrid work, AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross says many people have more flexible work schedules and can even work during part of their commute. AAA projected a 5% increase in the number of people traveling for the week of the 4th compared to 2023 and an 8% increase compared to 2019.

Gross says these numbers are similar to what travel would have been like in 2020 had the COVID-19 pandemic not occurred, a positive moment for the travel industry.

AAA also projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car during the holiday week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. Air travel will also see a significant increase of 7% from last year and a 12% increase from 2019. Gross says cruises are also making a big comeback after down years during the pandemic.

See more information: Here’s how to travel if you’re on a budget

First, the good news: gasoline prices have fallen – and may continue to fall until the holidays – and domestic airfares are 2% cheaper this Independence Day week.

But travelers will also face challenges no matter which route they travel, with high numbers of travelers causing long wait times. The worst traffic delays will occur on Wednesday 3 July and Sunday 7 July, with the worst times to drive between 2pm and 7pm. AAA projects that road trips could be 67% longer than normal.

According to Gross, preparation is essential to guarantee a successful vacation. Pack light with just one carry-on bag if you’re traveling, use your TSA Precheck if possible, arrive at the airport at least two hours early, reserve a parking space in advance, and remember that at the end of the day, everyone is in the same boat.

“It’s what every dad in America says, but it’s true: Get on the road early,” he tells TIME.

Karen Schaler, founder and host of Travel Therapy TV, agrees. Her “travel therapy tips” include avoiding peak travel times and utilizing technology to find the best routes in advance. With so many people leaving and arriving at the same time, Schaler says things can inevitably go wrong and travelers must adapt and be flexible.

“Wake up at 4 am, get up when it’s still dark, or travel at night; don’t go right after work,” she says. “Don’t go at peak times and you’ll have a lot less stress – the trip will be much more fun”

Schaler says having a backup plan is key. Ask yourself worst-case scenario questions to mitigate stress levels if these events unfortunately happen: “What will I do if I have a meltdown? What other flights are available at the airport I am departing from? Do I have extra water, just in case? Where’s my spare tire?”

For parents traveling with their kids, this also means bringing their kids’ favorite books and movies and putting on a favorite playlist. If children are calm, it means adults can be calm too.

See more information: Travel tips for long flights. Here’s what you need to know

She recommends abandoning the “perfectionist” mindset and instead expecting delays as they arise, not necessarily just trying to avoid the inevitable. After all, this is a vacation period. Schaler believes there are ways to make even the busiest moments fun.

“This is the time to plan a trip out of the ordinary and plan some stops you wouldn’t normally plan,” she said. “Take that quirky little roadside restaurant and make it an adventure.”

For last-minute travelers who are thinking about where to spend their time, Schaler recommends staycations in her area or fun outings like museums, picnics, and spa days.

Above all, though, travelers need to know their limits and have realistic expectations of a chaos-filled weekend.

“You knew it was going to be chaotic and you just had to take control of the chaos,” Schaler said.