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Among the estimated 5.7 million Texans who will travel 50 miles or more for the Fourth of July holiday, the vast majority are expected to drive, according to AAA Texas.
Around 5.7 million Texans will be traveling more than 50 miles away for the Fourth of July, according to a projection from AAA Texas. The estimate reflects a 2.2% increase from Independence Day in 2024.
“Following a record-setting Memorial Day forecast, we’re just continuing to see strong demand for both road trips and air travel,” AAA Texas spokesperson Doug Shupe said. “With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, many travelers are planning extended weekends or full week vacations to spend that quality time with their friends and family.”
The vast majority of those travelling, around 4.9 million, are expected to drive, with the busiest days for Texas roadways likely to be Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6.
“If you’re taking a road trip, leave as early in the day as you possibly can,” Shupe said. “Get up, have your coffee and hit the road before 11 a.m. The key is to avoid those afternoon rush hour times when people heading home from work are mixing on the roads with travelers who are heading in and out of town.”
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The roads won’t be the only crowded spaces in Houston – Houston Airports have projected more than 1.5 million travelers will pass through the city’s two main airports, up 11% compared to the same time last year. Houston Airports cited Beyoncé’s tour dates this past weekend and the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium on Sunday as possible causes for the increase, along with continued travel growth in the region.
The busiest days at the airports are likely to be Thursday, Sunday and Monday. Shupe advises travelers to get there at least 2-3 hours in advance, check in online at home when possible and pre-book parking.
“These airport parking lots fill up fast,” Shupe said. “You don’t want to be wasting time looking for a spot when you need to get inside to your gate.”
For drivers, preparedness includes vehicle maintenance. Checking tires, warning lights and batteries, Shupe said, could prevent a ruined trip. Planning for alcohol consumption by scheduling rideshares or appointing designated drivers could avoid something far worse.
“Just like you prepare your vehicle you want to prepare yourself,” Shupe said. “We want this holiday to be remembered for the fireworks and the cookouts and the fun with our friends and family. We don’t want it to be remembered for a horrific tragedy that can so easily be prevented by planning.”
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