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AAA Forecasts a Record 48.9 Million Americans Will Travel This July Fourth

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If you’re planning on road-tripping to see friends or family this July Fourth, you’re definitely not alone. AAA forecasts that even more people will hit the road this year than last year — 48.9 million drivers, to be exact. Learn more results from the study, and discover the best and worst times to be on the road this holiday.

More details about the study

Per AAA, auto travel isn’t the only type of transportation predicted to increase this Independence Day. Though 4.3 percent more drivers will take to the roadways compared to last year, plane and other modes of transportation are also set to increase. AAA predicts that 5.3 percent more will travel via plane, while 0.6 percent more will take trains, buses, or cruise ships.

Best and worst times to drive

According to recent stats Google Maps pulled from traffic data, the least-crowded time to leave for your holiday destination is July 3, either early in the morning or late in the evening. Though, if you do have to travel on July 4, avoid doing so during mid-afternoon, since roads will be the most congested then.


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How to Survive a Traffic Jam

Ways to make traffic jams suck less

If you do happen to encounter some delays on the road, don’t worry. Here are a few ways to stay sane as you wait out a traffic jam.

Take some selfies

Maybe you recently changed your hair color or are rocking a new tie. Or maybe you just want to take a goofy or creepy picture to send to your partner. Either way, unmoving traffic is the perfect time to sneak in a few selfies.

Eat some snacks

Make sure to keep some snacks in your car, just in case a traffic jam lasts a particularly long time and you get hungry. Here are some potential foods to pack that you don’t need to refrigerate.

Play a smartphone game

Whether you’re into “Harry Potter: Wizards Unite,” “Fortnite,” or “Alto’s Odyssey,” catching up on a favorite game is an easy way to make a traffic jam more fun.

Get organized

Write down a list of to-dos for that day or week, to help you stay focused and remember your goals. You can also tidy up your vehicle’s cabin. Gather any trash lying around into a small pile, and throw it away when you reach your destination.


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News Sources: AAAThe Points Guy, Plentifun.com