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Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Best, worst times to be on the road in Florida during Fourth of July week. Here's the timing
Getting ready to pack up the car to head out for the Fourth of July weekend? Be aware that there will be a record-breaking number of drivers out there with you, and Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest days on the road for Florida and the rest of the United States. A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically during the July 4 week, according to AAA. That's 1.7 million more travelers (2.4%) than last year and 7 million more than 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 4.6 million of those hardy travelers will be Floridians, up 146,000 (3%) from 2024, the auto club said. And about 4 million of them will be behind the wheel. That's likely due to July 4 coming at the start of a three-day weekend, the first long July 4 weekend in nearly a decade. AAA travel forecasts are for the week from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. "Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities," said Debbie Haas, vice president of AAA Travel in a release. "This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones." Here's what to know, and the best time to hit the road. By vehicle: 4 million, compared to 3.9 million in 2024 By air: 329,762, compared to 325,471 million in 2024 By other (bus, train, cruise, etc): 203,629, compared to 188,809 million in 2024 See SSSS on your boarding pass? What that means for you at the airport Gas prices have been bouncing around lately, but they're on course to remain more than 31 cents lower than they were during last year's holiday. As of July 2, Florida drivers are currently paying $3.15 per gallon, AAA said. That's five cents lower than the national average of $3.17. GasBuddy lists the state average as $3.11. Load up the car early, according to traffic analyst INRIX, to avoid the worst traffic. The best travel times are: Wednesday, July 2: Before noon Thursday, July 3: Before noon Friday, July 4: Before noon Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m. The worst times to travel will be afternoon to early evening, AAA said, and the busiest days on the road will be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations, and Sunday, July 6, when they head home, according to INRIX. Wednesday, July 2: noon-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Friday, July 4: noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6: noon-6 p.m. AAA, which responded to nearly 700,000 customers stuck on the side of the road during the holiday period last year, urges everyone to get your car in shape before you drive. Check your tires: Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and check your tread depth to see if you need to replace any. Don't forget the spare! Inspect your brakes: Have any grinding noises or vibrations checked out before they become a dangerous problem. Test your battery: If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement. Replace wiper blades: It can seem a minor thing, but wipers that streak or don't clear the windshield thoroughly can lead to hazardous conditions, especially in a state where it rains every summer afternoon. Top off fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Use products recommended in your owner's manual. Replenish your emergency kit: Make sure you have essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit. Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities: Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Tampa to Orlando on I-4 E at 2:30 p.m. Returning: Friday, July 4, from Orlando to Tampa on I-4 W at 3:45 p.m. Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Atlanta to Birmingham on I-20 W at 12:15 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Savannah to Atlanta on I-16 W at 2:30 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Boston to Hyannis on Route 3 S at 10:45 a.m. Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Hyannis to Boston on Route 3 N at 11:45 a.m. Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Chicago to Indianapolis on I-65 S at 6 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Milwaukee to Chicago on I-94 E at 2:30 p.m. Departing: Thursday, July 3, from Detroit to Toronto on I-94 E at 3 p.m. Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Grand Rapids to Detroit on I-96 E at 1:30 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Houston to Galveston on I-45 S at 11:15 a.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Galveston to Houston on I-45 N at 11:45 a.m. Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Minneapolis to Eau Claire on I-94 E at 2 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Eau Claire to Minneapolis on I-94 W at 3:45 p.m. Departing: Tuesday, July 1, from New York to Jersey Shore on Garden State Pkwy S at 4:30 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Albany to New York on I-87 S at 4:15 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Philadelphia to Rehoboth Beach on I-95 & Route 13 at 10:45 a.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Poconos to Philadelphia on I-76/I-476 Pennsylvania Turnpike at 1:15 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Washington, D.C. to Annapolis on US-50 E at 1:45 p.m. Returning: Friday, July 4, from Annapolis to Washington, D.C. on US-50 W at 11:30 a.m. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fourth of July traffic predicts Wednesday as worst day to drive
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
AAA Sees Record Number of Americans Traveling Domestically July 4th Week
The American Automobile Association is expecting a record number of Americans to travel within the U.S. during the Independence Day holiday period. AAA is projecting 72.2 million people to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6. That would represent 1.7 million more travelers from last year and 7 million more than in 2019. "With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends," AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said. AAA is expecting record travel by both car and air. It said it projects 61.6 million people to travel by car, up 2.2% from last year, and 5.84 million travelers to fly, up 1.4%. It said 8% of all Independence Day travelers are expected to fly. Boosting car travel are gas prices that "are still the lowest they've been since 2021" even though the Iran-Israel conflict has increased the price of oil in recent days, AAA said. "Escalation and duration of the conflict are two factors to watch. Weather is also a wild card." Read the original article on Investopedia
Fox News
20-06-2025
- Fox News
Americans ready to hit the road in record numbers this Independence Day
Print Close By Ashley DiMella Published June 20, 2025 Americans are predicted to set a travel record this year while celebrating the nation's 249th birthday. AAA released its "Independence Day Travel Forecast" report, finding that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this July 4th. The forecast looks not just at the Fourth of July but at holiday travel spanning from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. TOURISTS SPRAYED WITH WATER GUNS BY PROTESTERS AS EUROPEAN ANTI-TOURISM TREND GROWS The 2025 report predicts an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year while finding seven million more travelers compared to 2019. Over 60 million Americans are set to drive to their destination, which is a 2.2% increase from 2024. Of the millions predicted to travel, 8% or 5.84 million Americans will be flying to their destinations. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER About 4.78 million travelers will be using other forms of transportation such as cruises or trains. Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, said in a press release, "Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year." For more Lifestyle articles, visit "Following Memorial Day's record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week," Barber said. Over Memorial Day, a massive 45.1 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles from their home during the long weekend. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends," added Barber. Print Close URL
CBS News
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Florida gas edge higher, but not by much. Here's how much you'll pay at the pump.
Florida gas prices slightly higher than last week, AAA says Florida gas prices slightly higher than last week, AAA says Florida gas prices slightly higher than last week, AAA says With the busy Memorial Day weekend in the rearview window, Florida gas prices trended slightly higher last week. As of Monday, the state average price was $3.08 a gallon, that's up two cents from a week ago, according to AAA. "Oil prices have remained stable for the past two weeks," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "This should enable Florida gas prices to remain within the same 20-cent range they've cycled in for the better part of the past year." In Miami-Dade on Monday, the average was $3.02 per gallon, about the same as last week. In Broward, drivers were paying $3.09 a gallon, up a penny from last week. Gas prices across Florida Florida's most expensive metro areas for gas include West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.26), Naples ($3.17), and Sebring ($3.16). The cheapest markets are Panama City ($2.76), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.78), and Pensacola ($2.83). Tips for saving at the pump AAA encourages drivers to combine errands, drive conservatively, remove excess vehicle weight, shop around using the AAA mobile app, and consider paying with cash to avoid credit card surcharges. AAA members can also save by enrolling in gas rewards programs, such as Shell's Fuel Rewards or discounts at Love's Travel Stops. Travelers can find updated gas prices and plan routes using AAA's tools at
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Weather Channel Sends Stern Warning on Memorial Day
A record number of Americans were projected to travel at least 50 miles away from their homes this Memorial Day Weekend. Between May 22 and May 26, AAA predicted 45.1 million people would be traveling, breaking the record of 44 million set back in 2005 and a 1.4 million person increase over 2024. 'Memorial Day weekend getaways don't have to be extravagant and costly,' Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel said in a statement. 'While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.' Before families fire up the grill, they might want to watch out for the latest warning from the Weather Channel, which is currently forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorm in the South. "The sluggish-moving weather system is nudging a bit farther south and east today. That means rain and thunderstorms will plague much of the South and Plains. This could mean a washout in locations shaded darker green in the map below," the Weather Channel said. "The rainfall could also be heavy, resulting in localized flash flooding in portions of the South. Scattered severe storms could impact the Southern Plains and parts of the Southeast, especially across the state of Texas. Damaging winds and very large hail will be the main threats, but we can't rule out an isolated tornado." Those in the South might want to have a Plan B for their Channel Sends Stern Warning on Memorial Day first appeared on Men's Journal on May 26, 2025
