Colorado mountain travel along I-70 to see heavy congestion over July 4th holiday weekend
The holiday kicks off higher traffic volume in the high country, with summer tourism hitting its peak over the next six to seven weeks, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The department is urging motorists to plan ahead if traveling to or from the mountains July 3-6. The Fourth of July is on Friday.
Last year over the Fourth of July holiday period, more than 235,000 vehicles traveled through the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial tunnels along I-70.
With the holiday falling on Friday, westbound I-70 will see the heaviest volume the afternoon of July 3 through the morning of July 4.
Heaviest I-70 eastbound returning traffic from the mountains will take place the afternoon of July 6, which is Sunday.
Here are ways you can beat the congestion:
GOI70.com: This allows you to see the travel forecast to plan your departure time.
COtrip.org: For real-time traffic information, road conditions and live cameras.
To ease congestion, the Colorado Department of Transportation is suspending all construction and maintenance work across the state starting at noon July 3 through the morning of July 7.
That means less of a bottleneck at major projects like the I-70 Floyd Hill Project, which suspended construction starting June 30.
Congestion still may occur in construction areas due to reduced speed limits.
Leave the driving to someone else by taking public transportation options, including Bustang, Pegasus and Bustang Outrider.
The buses provide service to many mountain areas, including Estes Park.
For more information, visit www.ridebustang.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How to beat July 4th traffic on I-70 to Colorado's mountains
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Skift
an hour ago
- Skift
What Destinations Get Wrong (and Right) About the Muslim Travel Market
Destinations investing early and comprehensively in halal-friendly travel are likely to gain long-term competitive advantage as this sector continues to grow. The global Muslim travel market is expected to reach $235 billion by 2030, up from $189 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), released last month. The Muslim, or halal, travel sector caters to the specific needs of Muslim travelers, including halal-certified food, access to prayer spaces, and accommodations that align with Islamic values. The Muslim travel index, a widely cited benchmark, tracks this segment and ranks 145 destinations worldwide using a four-point framework: Access, Communication, Environment, and Services. The report attributes the sector's projected growth to three key trends: a rising global Muslim population, from 2.12 billion in 2024 to a projected 2.47 billion by 2034, increasing disposable income, and better access to travel infrastructure. In 2024, international arrivals of Muslim travelers were 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Malaysia and Singapore On Top Southeast Asia continues to outperform other regions in attracting Muslim travelers. Malaysia once again ranked first among Muslim-majority destinations. Singapore leads all non-Muslim-majority countries, thanks to its extensive halal food offerings, inclusive tourism services, and traveler-friendly airport infrastructure. 'Thailand has been targeting the halal travel market for a long time, primarily to attract tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia,' said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating. He noted that the Philippines is becoming a serious contender, 'They're (The Philippines) the first non-Muslim destination to offer a halal-friendly beach in Boracay for Muslim families.' The Philippines Department of Tourism created a halal travel portfolio, expanded halal food certifications, and launched awareness training for tourism operators. Speaking at the Skift Asia Forum, Christina Garcia Frasco, tourism secretary of the Philippines, discussed how there has been a very serious push towards expanding the Philippines' Muslim-friendly tourism portfolio. Other Asian destinations including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia are also investing in halal-friendly offerings. Hong Kong and Taiwan ranked third and fourth, respectively, among non-Muslim-majority destinations in the travel index. What Muslim Travelers Actually Want 'Many people have a misconception that halal travel is limited to the Middle East,' said Azwan Ariffin of Tripfez, a Malaysia-based online travel agency focused on Muslim-friendly travel. 'In reality, any destination can attract halal travelers by offering food and facilities which meet their religious requirements.' Bahardeen said that Muslim travelers want many of the same things other travelers do, such as seamless digital services, cashless transactions, and streamlined immigration, but with an added layer of faith-based considerations. 'The Muslim market is not a behemoth,' he said. 'It's segmented into three categories, depending on how strictly Muslim travelers observe their faith: 20% are 'strictly practicing,' 60% are 'practicing,' and 20% are 'less practicing.'' Destinations must understand that each of these groups has different expectations. 'Strictly practicing Muslims may require dedicated prayer facilities and halal-only dining and accommodation options,' Bahardeen said. 'Less practicing Muslims may need halal food available but can be more flexible on other options.' Muslim-majority countries are often well positioned to cater to all levels of practice. Others may be limited by cultural norms, infrastructure, or funding. 'For Muslims, there are some overall essential requirements for a destination, or 'need to have,'' Bahardeen said. 'For example, halal food, access to prayer spaces, water-friendly toilets, and no Islamophobia. Then there are qualities that are 'good to have,' such as fasting-friendly hotels and Muslim-friendly experiences.' The final tier, described as 'nice to have,' includes destinations with no non-halal food or alcohol and separate activities for men and women. Accessibility Still Overlooked Many Muslim travelers travel with extended family, including elderly or disabled relatives. According to United Nations Tourism, nearly 50% of people over age 60 have a disability, yet most global destinations are still not designed with their needs in mind. Muslim travelers in particular need hotels, prayer areas, and transportation options that accommodate wheelchairs and limited mobility. 'Accessibility is a neglected area that we are trying to push,' Bahardeen said. The travel index added accessibility as a standalone category in 2023, highlighting a major gap in tourism readiness. Gen Z and Millennials Reshaping the Market Younger Muslim travelers are driving much of the sector's growth. Millennials and Gen Z Muslims tend to be more mobile-first, experience-oriented, and digitally fluent. 'Younger Muslim travelers are more flexible, less strict than older generations,' said Ariffin. 'For example, requiring that a hotel be clean, but not necessarily halal.' They are also a powerful marketing force. 'Younger Muslims are willing to be more adventurous and independent and can have a big positive impact on travel markets through their social media,' he said. These travelers also help destinations smooth out seasonal peaks. Many plan trips around Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid, which fall at different times each year and can boost tourism during otherwise slower periods. 'Leveraging the Muslim travel market also gives a destination more economic stability in case other tourist sectors fall off,' Bahardeen said. CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen at the Skift Asia Forum
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-gilt-rue-la-la-birkenstock-july-4-sale-tout-39900431f8664315a8532b2641f8883a.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
Birkenstock Clogs, Sandals, and Sneakers Are on Sale Starting at $90 This Fourth of July—Shop the 12 Best Deals
The Fourth of July is here and we've just found one more thing to celebrate after uncovering a trove of Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and other shoes on sale at the boutique retailers Gilt and Rue La La this holiday weekend. Birkenstock excels at crafting high-quality, comfortable footwear that's practically tailor-made for travel, and now is your chance to stock up on the popular styles you've been eyeing while they're marked down for a limited time. Whether you're partial to the ultra-popular Boston Clog trend or are instead looking for a more timeless option like the Arizona Sandals, there's no shortage of styles to choose from that will support your feet throughout beach vacations, city travels, and everything in between—and prices currently start at under $100. Keep reading to find the 12 best Birkenstock deals worth shopping this July 4th, so you can end the search for your favorite pair of travel shoes once and for all. Birkenstock Callan Narrow Suede Espadrille Gilt A departure from traditional Birkenstock styles, these slip-on espadrilles will add a fun pop of color to your vacation wardrobe, and they're the perfect pick to wear from the airport to a day of exploring. Soft suede uppers combined with durable rubber outsoles are a clear testament to the high quality construction of these shoes, and the insoles are made from suede-lined cork that will mold to your unique foot shape for added support. Just know that sizes are limited while they're on sale for 20 percent off, so don't wait too long to shop. Birkenstock Gizeh Leather Sandals Gilt The gorgeous braided straps of these luxe leather sandals are sure to set them apart from others in your collection, and you can rest assured they're well-suited for beach and city vacations alike. The Birkenstock Gizeh Leather Sandals are made with a flip-flop style cut, but the straps across the feet are adjustable, so you can achieve a snug and comfy fit that shouldn't chafe your skin when you walk. The EVA outsoles make them lighter than other styles, so they're a great addition to your suitcase without weighing down your bag; plus, they're still fitted with cork insoles for a personalized fit. Birkenstock Milano Crosstown Waxy Leather Sandals Gilt If you're looking to invest in a pair of sandals that will stay firmly on your feet without slipping, the Birkenstock Milano Crosstown Waxy Leather Sandals are worth the investment—and they're on sale for 22 percent off right now. Adjustable straps at the heels in combination with the classic two-strap design keeps these shoes in place for sightseeing and long walking days, while the outsoles are made from a grippy yet lightweight PU material that'll keep you stable on uneven terrain. Best of all, they're crafted with deep heel cups that are far more supportive and suitable for full-day wear than traditional sandals. Birkenstock Boston BS Oiled Leather Clogs Gilt The Birkenstock Boston Clogs are undoubtedly one of the most popular styles in the brand's catalogue, which is exactly why you'll want to snag a pair while they're on sale for 15 percent off this Fourth of July. The rigid leather exterior will hold up well, regardless of what you have on the travel agenda, while the slip-on design makes these clogs especially convenient for wearing through the airport so as to avoid dealing with laces while rushing through TSA. The insoles are also fitted with moldable cork to support your unique foot shape (in tandem with deep heel cups and ample arch support), so you can rest assured they'll only get comfier with wear. Birkenstock Arizona CT Leather Sandals Gilt A sportier iteration of the classic Arizona sandals, the Birkenstock Arizona CT Leather Sandals are instead designed with grippier outsoles that are both durable and more flexible. They still feature the same adjustable leather straps and contoured cork insoles, but this pair weighs less than a pound, so they're the perfect pick to add to your personal item if you're packing light. That being said, there's a good chance you opt to make them your new go-to travel day shoes, so you can expect to free up even more space in your luggage. Birkenstock Mayari Birkibuc Sandals Gilt Many Birkenstock styles are primarily unisex, but the thin criss-cross straps of the Mayari Birkibuc Sandals create a distinctly feminine look that can be paired with anything from maxi dresses to wide leg linen pants with ease. While they may be a more elevated style than other models, they're still just as comfortable thanks to soft faux-leather straps, cushy cork insoles, and toe bars that shouldn't chafe your feet. Fortunately, they're on sale for $90 right now, with sizes ranging from EU 42 to 45. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Sandals Gilt Birkenstock's Arizona Sandals will seemingly never go out of style, and this simple pair with the classic two-strap design just went on sale for $30 off during the Fourth of July. The soft suede exterior makes these sandals comfy straight out of the box (I can confirm from experience!), and, with every wear, the cork soles will become more and more fitted to your unique foot shape. The buckles are adjustable so you can secure them snugly to your feet to take on your travel day in style. The simple black shade also makes them easy to match with everything in your suitcase to give your outfits a bohemian twist. Right now, they're even in stock in sizes ranging from EU 40 to 46 at both Gilt and Rue La La. Birkenstock Milano Birko-flor Sandals Gilt A fun twist on the popular Arizona style, but with the addition of sturdy straps at the heels, the Birkenstock Milano Birko-flor Sandals are truly designed for everyday wear, and you don't have to worry about them sliding off while you're out exploring the sights of your destination. All three straps are adjustable and made from sturdy faux leather, while the cork insoles are crafted to provide significant arch support with space to spread your toes thanks to the roomy toe boxes. They're currently on sale for under $100, and come in EU sizes 42 to 45. Birkenstock Boston Braided Narrow Suede Clogs Gilt Braided straps add a flirty twist to these suede Birkenstock Boston Clogs, and since they're sure to gain popularity fast, you'll want to snag a pair while they're on sale for $30 off during the holiday weekend. The earthy brown shade paired with copper hardware makes them the perfect everyday shoes since they'll look great with the vast majority of your travel wardrobe. Plus, they're just as supportive as they are stylish, so you can easily spend a long day on your feet without regretting your footwear choice. They're now available in a wide size range from EU 36 to 41, and they're practically guaranteed to be your go-to travel day shoe all year round (speaking from experience!). Birkenstock Bend Low Leather Sneakers Gilt While Birkenstock sandals and clogs may be what the brand is most well-known for, you also can't go wrong with snatching up the Bend Low Leather Sneakers while they're on sale for $130. The simple, no-frills sneakers are versatile and easy to style since they come in a simple white shade, while the insoles and outsoles provide the same comfort as the brand's traditional slip-on shoes. Cork insoles lined with suede absorb shock, while lightweight rubber outsoles offer vital traction on a wide range of surfaces. You'll even Birkenstock Florida Soft Footbed Birko-flor Sandals Gilt Three slim straps paired with ultra-soft cork footbeds make the Birkenstock Florida Birko-flor Sandals a must-have for summer travel, and now is the best time to shop since they're currently on sale for only $97. The straps are made from a breathable faux-leather material that won't chafe or rub against the skin, and each buckle can be tightened to ensure a snug fit that won't slide around while sightseeing. Rubber soles promise to provide vital grip on slick terrain like cobblestones and airport floors, and they're uniquely designed for comfort with the brand's suede-lined cork insoles. Birkenstock Buckley Narrow Suede Clogs Gilt Intrigued by the clog trend, but looking to put your own spin on it? Well, look no further than the 15 percent off Birkenstock Buckley Narrow Suede Clogs—an equally comfortable cousin to the Boston style. Made with super-soft suede uppers and decorative buckle straps, these slip-on shoes boast a more moccasin-like fit without sacrificing the moldable cork insoles and ample foot support. They're designed with narrow feet in mind, so they're going to be slimmer than the traditional chunky design of Birkenstock footwear, and luckily they're still available in a full range of EU sizes from 35 to 41. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign
India's southern state of Kerala has found a unique ambassador to promote its coconut palm-lined beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture to tourists - a British F-35 fighter jet that has been stranded there since mid-June. The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it. An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Kerala's tourism department on Wednesday. 'This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones… It's all in good humour and creativity,' Biju K., Kerala's tourism secretary, told Reuters. In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it 'an amazing place'. 'I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend,' the image quotes the jet as saying. 'Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination,' said Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, the tourism department's brand promotion agency. Kerala is among India's most popular tourist destinations, and markets itself with the tagline 'God's own country'. Last year, 22.2 million tourists visited the state. It boasts natural beauty along India's south-western coastline and a rich heritage of classical dances, temple festivals and vibrant cuisine. The Indian Air Force said last month it would help in the repair and return of the F-35, which made an emergency landing on June 14 when it was flying over the Arabian Sea off Kerala's coast. A British High Commission spokesperson told Reuters the UK had accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The jet will be moved to the hangar once engineering teams arrive from the UK with specialist equipment, the spokesperson added. The Royal Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. UK's Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in Parliament on Monday that a Royal Air Force crew were in Thiruvananthapuram and working with Indian counterparts.
