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Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
The Summer Guide To A Road Trip That's Big On Fun And Light On Impact
Summer is a time for road trips From winding coastlines, lush national parks, to beautiful views on the mountain side road trips offer one of the most immersive ways to explore the world around us. American Automobile Association projects a record 61.6 million North Americans will take road trips this year, a 2.2% increase from last year, signaling a growing love for domestic, self-guided travel. Fortunately, the freedom of the open road doesn't have to come at the planet's expense. With a few mindful choices, you can chart a course that's low-impact, high-reward and still full of adventure. A well-planned route can significantly reduce unnecessary driving. Use route-optimization tools like Google Maps or Waze to help you to plan your trips. This is essential as mapping your route helps to prevent backtracking and congested routes. As a result, you not only cut fuel consumption but also reduce travel stress. According to transportation analytics firm INRIX, the average U.S. driver lost 43 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, an increase of one hour from the previous year, based on findings from its 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, which analyzed peak travel times over a 22-month period. Even a fraction of those hours could be saved with better planning. Once you have mapped your stops, try to cluster activities geographically so you are not doubling back, wasting time and gas by zigzagging between locations. One of the first things you should do before setting off, is give your vehicle a proper check-up. A well-maintained car burns fuel more efficiently and emits fewer pollutants. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing serious maintenance issues, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by up to 40%. For your trip, ensure your tires are inflated, your air filters are clean, and your engine is tuned. It is one of the easiest ways to lower your footprint without changing your travel style. You can find more car tips to ensure better fuel economy in this comprehensive guide. Ditch the disposables. Pack a kit with reusable water bottles, cutlery, food containers, and cloth napkins. The World Economic Forum report expressed that of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the U.S. in 2021, only 5% to 6%, or about two million tons was recycled. To reduce your plastic usage on your trip, a simple stainless-steel bottle and a stocked cooler can help you avoid roadside plastic waste, unnecessary food packaging and also help avoid overpriced roadside snacks and packaging waste. Additionally, remember to pack reusable shopping bags, and biodegradable wipes which are also essential for your trip. Another item that is often forgotten is garbage bags for collecting waste along the way, especially when passing through remote areas without public bins. Finally, remember to pack a portable battery pack or car charger which are must haves to keep your phone powered in case of emergencies or when navigating off-grid. Excited black family packing their car trunk for a trip to the beach. Every pound counts when it comes to fuel efficiency. Avoid overpacking, and skip bulky roof racks unless absolutely necessary. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, storing items inside your car or trunk instead of on a roof rack can significantly improve fuel efficiency, reducing drag and improving mileage by up to 8% in city driving and as much as 25% on the highway. It is also wise to travel light because carrying around an extra 100 pounds could raise your fuel cost by roughly 3 cents per gallon. Furthermore, streamlined packing also means less unpacking and repacking at each stop, so your trip runs more smoothly overall. If you will be staying overnight on your trip, support accommodations that practice sustainability. Use platforms like or the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to find certified green accommodations. If you will be camping, follow Leave No Trace principles which is simply: dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, and leave natural spaces better than you found them. While fast food is convenient while on your road trip, sustainable travel invites you to explore local flavors instead. Seek out farm-to-table restaurants, regional farmers' markets, or even food trucks that use local ingredients. This not only ensures that you enjoy fresher meals, but also support local farmers and reduce the carbon cost of long-distance food transport. You can still pack homemade snacks and sandwiches, but try to diversify your dining with local gems whenever you stop. Outdoor farm to table meals. What is a road trip without fun activities? So plan activities that minimize environmental impact and maximize community benefit. Opt for walking tours, nature hikes or other low-emission experiences. Better yet, hire local eco-guides who are knowledgeable about the land and invested in protecting it. This ensures that your money goes back into the community while deepening your connection to the places you explore. Even the most conscious travelers will generate emissions. To mitigate against this, you can consider purchasing verified carbon credits through platforms like Gold Standard, Cool Effect, or Climate Action Reserve. Offsetting 1,000 miles of driving in a gas-powered car can help fund climate solutions like clean cookstove projects or reforestation in underserved regions. Conclusion Road trips are an essential summer activity and we can do it sustainably without eliminating fun and adventure. You can elevate it with intention because when you travel consciously, every mile becomes more meaningful. Your trips becomes more than just sightseeing and you become a part of a global movement redefining what it means to explore responsibly. Road trips offer freedom, but with intention, they can also offer environmental responsibility.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Newsweek
Fourth of July Travel Faces Delays From Storms, Heat and Fire Risk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are traveling for the Fourth of July holiday this year. Still, severe weather, extreme heat, and wildfire risks are threatening to derail plans across the country. According to the National Weather Service and multiple travel agencies, storms are sweeping through the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, while heat advisories and red flag warnings are in effect in parts of the Plains and West. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued ground stops at major airports, including Newark, LaGuardia, and Boston, this week. At the same time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 18.5 million air travelers between July 1 and July 7. Meanwhile, road congestion is peaking, with INRIX warning of heavy traffic through Friday afternoon. A family looks out towards the tarmac ahead of departure at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 03, 2025 in Austin, Texas. A family looks out towards the tarmac ahead of departure at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 03, 2025 in Austin, Context This year's Independence Day travel surge is the largest in U.S. history, driven by the holiday coinciding with a Friday and pent-up demand for summer getaways. However, the convergence of volatile weather and record crowds is creating one of the most challenging travel environments in recent memory. Flight delays, cancellations, and dangerous driving conditions could impact millions. What To Know Severe thunderstorms on July 3 caused ground stops at LaGuardia, Newark, and Boston Logan airports. As of Thursday evening, over 600 flights were canceled, and nearly 2,000 were delayed nationwide. The FAA warns that delays may continue into the weekend, especially in Florida and the Carolinas. TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said the agency is fully staffed but warned travelers to "pack their patience." Travelers without a Real ID should expect additional screening and longer wait times. Temperatures are 10–20°F above average in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes region. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Burlington are under heat alerts, with highs in the 90s and heat indexes near 100°F. Red flag warnings are in effect in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah due to dry conditions and high winds. Wildfires have already sparked in parts of California, prompting local evacuations and the banning of fireworks. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance near Florida that could bring heavy rain and flooding through the weekend. Even without development, tropical moisture is expected to drench much of the state, especially on July 4. AAA projects 61.6 million Americans will travel by car this week. INRIX recommends driving early in the morning to avoid peak congestion, which is expected from noon to 7 p.m. on July 4. What People Are Saying The NWS weather prediction center said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "Hazardous heat is forecast across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions July 4-6. Heat index values are expected to reach 90-100 degrees. If you will be outdoors, be sure to hydrate and take breaks!" The NWS also said on X on Friday: "Heat and humidity will be migrating eastwards across the Great Lakes region towards the East Coast through the Holiday weekend, with notable population centers entering the Major Heat Risk category." What Happens Next Storms are expected to clear in the Northeast by Friday evening, offering better conditions for fireworks and outdoor events. However, Florida and parts of the Southeast are expected to continue seeing rain through the weekend. Travelers are advised to closely monitor weather alerts and transportation updates for the most up-to-date information.
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi's population surge won't trigger road chaos; congestion among the world's lowest
Despite Abu Dhabi's population being forecast to grow to 5.4 million by 2040, transport analysts say the emirate has already proven its ability to manage increased traffic — and may even improve congestion levels as it expands. The Capital had demonstrated "a very, very good understanding of how to deal with increased traffic, which is a consequence of increased population", Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said. Referring to recent global congestion ranking data, he noted: 'Even when the population grows in Abu Dhabi, the traffic improves.' He cited a report released in January by traffic analytics company INRIX, which showed that the average motorist in Abu Dhabi spent just 19 hours in traffic congestion in 2023 — one of the lowest levels globally. In comparison, Dubai motorists reportedly spent 71 hours in traffic that year. "So, Abu Dhabi is doing a great job so far," he noted. Edelmann said congestion is a measurable outcome of sound urban planning, and Abu Dhabi authorities had proven themselves capable of aligning infrastructure development with future demand. 'They will align the efforts of growing the road infrastructure, of growing the technology that's applied. They have proven that in the past, they will continue doing that.' He added that public demand for non-road-based mass transport options was also growing across the UAE: 'The ongoing expansion of the public transportation system, the public mass transportation system, which ideally should not be road-bound, is on top of the wish list of the UAE road users. They want to see rail-bound mass transportation, meaning metro and rail, in order to move vehicles off the road.' While Abu Dhabi does not yet have a metro system, plans have previously been floated for future rail development to complement the emirate's expanding bus and taxi network. Edelmann also highlighted the importance of integrating urban development with artificial intelligence (AI) tools to pre-empt traffic flow changes and support sustainable infrastructure planning. 'Artificial intelligence in this context certainly plays a big role in urban planning. So, simulations will be run to understand where the emirate will build and expand the housing infrastructure,' he explained. 'And as a consequence, traffic streams will be basically showcased, and they will be taken into consideration to plan and expand the existing road infrastructure.' 'It is very fair to assume that they will be on top of developments. I think there's a very strong message of the Abu Dhabi authorities really having a very, very good grip of what's happening — what has happened in the past and also in the future.' While Dubai and Sharjah have received more public attention for traffic bottlenecks, Edelmann said Abu Dhabi continues to fare well by comparison. 'Abu Dhabi is blessed in a way. We have data that was published not so long ago about the traffic. It is one of the safest capital cities in the world. You know the bottlenecks in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi is not one of them. So, I don't foresee any impact.'
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
02-07-2025
- Yahoo
Are you traveling for the Fourth of July? Here's when traffic will be at its worst
Tens of millions of people will hit the road to travel domestically for the Fourth of July this year — so if you're one of them, you might want to plan ahead to avoid traffic. Between June 28 and July 6, a record 72.2 million people nationwide are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, according to AAA projections. That's an increase of 1.7 million travelers from 2024. Nearly 62 million of those people will be traveling by car. If you're planning a July 4 road trip, here are the peak congestion times to avoid, including the worst times to travel to and from Wisconsin: AAA compiled data from INRIX, a transportation analytics company, on the best and worst times to travel by car during the Fourth of July weekend. Generally, the company found that setting out in the morning is your best chance to beat the traffic. Here are the best times to travel during the holiday: Saturday, June 28: Before 10 a.m. Sunday, June 29: Before 11 a.m. Monday, June 30: Before noon Tuesday, July 1: Before 2 p.m. 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. INRIX predicted that July 2 and July 6 will be the most congested days on the roads as people head to and from their destinations. The afternoons will see the worst traffic, particularly on those two days. Here are the worst times to travel during the July 4 weekend: Saturday, June 28: Between noon and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29: Between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday, June 30: Between 2 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1: Between 3 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: Between noon and 9 p.m. Thursday, July 3: Between 2 and 6 p.m. Friday, July 4: Between noon and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5: Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6: Between noon and 6 p.m. Here are the peak congestion times if you're traveling to and from Wisconsin during the holiday weekend. Milwaukee to Chicago: Traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago, peak congestion will be on eastbound Interstate 94 on Sunday, July 6, at 2:30 p.m. INRIX did not provide data on travel from Chicago to Milwaukee. Eau Claire to Minneapolis: Peak congestion traveling from Minneapolis to Eau Claire will be on eastbound I-94 on Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m. Traveling from Eau Claire back to Minneapolis, peak congestion will be on westbound I-94 on Sunday, July 6, at 3:45 p.m. More: July 4 events in the Milwaukee area in 2025: Fireworks, parade times, things to do More: When Milwaukee tried to make 4th of July celebrations 'Safe and Sane' to save lives This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fourth of July traffic in Wisconsin: The best and worst travel times
