Fourth of July Travel Tips – How to Handle the Crowds in 2018

If you’re ready to depart to your Fourth of July destination and feel a little bit stressed regarding the crowds, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know:

If you feel like you’re going to share the road, train or plane with a crowd, you’re definitely right. This celebration gathers the most numerous crowds in the USA, as it is the most important celebration of the nation: the Independence Day.

An estimated 46.9 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more in 2018, which represents a 5% increase compared to last year, and the highest number in the last 18 years.

Can’t really picture the movement? Imagine every person in California, Vermont and Tennessee on the go. Yes, pretty overwhelming.

We decided to take the matters into our own hands and try to breakdown how people are going to get from place to place over this celebration, and this is what we got:

• 39.5 million Automobiles
• 3.8 million Planes
• 3.5 million passengers on trains, busses and cruise ships

Road traffic on Fourth of July 2018

It is predicted that some of America’s most congested cities are going to be even more so. The cities that are expected to have up to double the commute times are Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, New York and Washington DC. Peak travel is expected to start to ease off after 6:30 pm.

It is recommended that you avoid peak commuting hours and even consider alternative routes.

Gasoline Prices during Independence Day celebrations

If you’re filling up the tank you should know that gasoline prices are an average of $2.86 per gallon in the country.

The cheapest gas can be found in Alabama and South Carolina ($2.53) while the highest prices are expected in New York and states out West.

Fourth of July driving tips

First of all, try and stay safe. As we all know, people tend to lose their patience in traffic, which means that you need to be extra careful.

Be ready for the road – you definitely don’t need a flat tire or a dead battery, so make sure to test your battery before leaving, look for any leaks and double check your tires. Better safe than sorry!

Map your route – you are going to save a lot of time if you plan your trip before you go; map the route you want to follow in advance and know exactly where you are going; check in advance for any roads that are possibly getting closed so that you don’t get surprised

Eyes on the road – focus on the road and don’t get distracted by the children in the backseats or by electronic distractions; ask a passenger to answer your phone so that you don’t get distracted

Pack the emergency kit – make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency: a car charger, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, plenty of water and snacks.

With this being said, drive safe, take care, and have fun this Fourth of July!