When NOT To Drive This July 4th
By thom·June 30, 2026
Quick heads up before you fire up the road trip playlist… this could be the busiest Fourth of July travel stretch EVER.
AAA says about 61 million people are hitting the road, which basically means… everyone you’ve ever met is traveling at the same time.
If you’d prefer your holiday not include a parking lot disguised as a highway, here’s when to not drive:
Tuesday: 3 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: noon to 9 p.m.
Thursday: 2 to 6 p.m.
Friday: noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 6 p.m.
Translation: afternoons are basically a bad life choice.
If you can swing it, go early in the morning… or just accept that your “quick trip” will include quality time with brake lights and your own thoughts.
Either way, pack snacks, patience, and maybe a little extra sanity. You’re gonna need all three.
Photo by Herman Mahal on Unsplash
Source: USA Today