Maryland Braces for Record-Breaking Independence Day Travel
Maryland is preparing for an exceptionally busy Independence Day holiday weekend, with nearly 1.5 million residents expected to travel 50 miles or more, according to projections from AAA. This marks a 4% increase from 2023 and a 7.5% rise from 2019, ref…
By David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor on July 1, 2024
Maryland is preparing for an exceptionally busy Independence Day holiday weekend, with nearly 1.5 million residents expected to travel 50 miles or more, according to projections from AAA. This marks a 4% increase from 2023 and a 7.5% rise from 2019, reflecting a significant uptick in travel activity.
"For the first time, AAA examined the entire July 4th week, including the preceding Saturday and the following Sunday," said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokeswoman for AAA in Maryland and Washington, DC. "With schools out and summer vacations in full swing, the 4th of July holiday is a prime time for a getaway."
2024 Independence Day Holiday Maryland Travelers
Total Travel
Automobile
Air
Other
(Bus, Train, Cruise)
2024 (Forecast)
1,494,331
1,327,538
103,544
63,250
2023 (Actual)
1,436,218
1,278,207
98,900
59,110
2019 (Actual)
1,389,843
1,225,635
95,964
68,244
% Change (2023 to 2024)
4.05
3.86
4.70
7.00
% Change (2019 to 2024)
7.52
8.31
7.90
-7.32
The flexibility brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence travel behavior. "We are seeing that a residual impact of COVID has been greater work flexibility, affording many the opportunity to work remotely and extend weekend and holiday trips," Ali added. Nearly 1.3 million Marylanders, or about 90% of travelers, are expected to drive, marking a 4% increase from last year and an 8% rise from 2019.
Gas Prices and Road Travel
While gas prices are trending lower nationally, Maryland sees a slight increase from last year. The statewide average is $3.51 per gallon, four cents higher than last year. However, prices are expected to stabilize until after Labor Day, barring any significant impact from hurricane season on Gulf Coast oil production.
Air Travel on the Rise
AAA forecasts that over 103,500 Marylanders will fly for their July 4th destinations, a 4% increase from last year and an 8% increase from 2019. Domestic airfare is slightly cheaper this year, with the average round-trip ticket costing $800. Ali advises travelers to arrive at airports two hours early, reserve parking ahead of time, and opt for carry-on luggage to save time and money.
Other Modes of Transportation
The "other" travel category, including buses, trains, and cruises, also shows growth, with more than 63,200 Marylanders expected to use these modes. This represents a 7% increase from last year, though still down more than 7% from pre-pandemic levels. Cruising, in particular, is making a strong comeback, with ports like Baltimore remaining popular.
"Baltimore and other hometown ports are convenient for many in our region," said Ali. "Cruise travelers are finding deals this summer, with some lines offering targeted discounts to fill older inventory."
National Travel Trends
Nationally, AAA projects a record 71 million people will travel for the holiday, with over 60 million driving. Air travel is also expected to set a record with nearly six million taking to the skies, a 7% increase from last year and 12% higher than in 2019.
Travel Timing and Safety
INRIX, a transportation data provider, recommends traveling early on Thursday or Friday to avoid heavy traffic. For return trips, avoiding Sunday or Monday afternoon is advisable to bypass peak travel times.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date
Worst Travel Time
Best Travel Time
Monday, Jul 1
Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Tuesday, Jul 2
2:00 - 6:00 PM
After 7:00 PM
Wednesday, Jul 3
2:00 - 7:00 PM
Before Noon
Thursday, Jul 4
2:00 - 7:00 PM
Before Noon
Friday, Jul 5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Before 10:00 AM
Saturday, Jul 6
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Before 10:00 AM
Sunday, Jul 7
2:00 - 8:00 PM
Before 11:00 AM
Monday, Jul 8
1:00 - 5:00 PM
After 7:00 PM
As travel increases, so do the risks associated with distractions and dangerous driving behaviors. AAA urges drivers to adhere to Slow Down and Move Over laws to protect tow trucks, police, fire, EMS, and other first responders working on the roads. These laws are designed to provide an extra barrier of safety for roadside workers.
"The expansion of the law in states that recognize motorists at the side of the road should remove any confusion," said Ali. "That extra few feet of space may be the difference between life and death."
Preparation Tips
AAA also advises drivers to carry a fully stocked summer emergency kit, which includes:
A fully charged cell phone and car charger
First-aid kit
Basic tool kit
Blanket
Rain jacket or poncho
Flashlight with extra batteries
Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
Emergency warning devices like road flares or reflectors
Jumper cables or a jump box
Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
Parents are encouraged to bring items to entertain children, such as charged tablets, coloring books, and games.
"You never know what's going to happen on the roads," Ali said. "Having a few items in your car can make all the difference during breakdowns, slowdowns, and backups."
Forecast Methodology
The travel forecast is developed by AAA in cooperation with S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI), leveraging economic variables such as employment, household net worth, gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. Historical travel volume estimates are sourced from DK Shifflet's Travel Performance/MonitorSM.
For this year, the Independence Day holiday travel period spans nine days, from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7, a change from previous years which only included one weekend.
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