Tips for taming holiday weekend traffic

Extended holiday weekends tend to fall on national holidays throughout the year, giving workers and students an opportunity to enjoy an extra day off from work (or school). The open road beckons millions of people on three-day weekends, which serve as a great chance to get away. In 2026, the Independence Day weekend will be a big one, likely starting before Friday, July 3.

According to AAA, holiday weekends see record-breaking traffic volume, with nearly 40 million drivers hitting the road. Those who are hitting the open road on a holiday weekend can take heed of these tips to avoid heavy traffic.

• Change your travel time – Late mornings and early evenings tend to be especially busy on the roads. Instead, leave very early or very late to get to your destination, departing before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

• Change your day – Think about leaving a day earlier for a smooth drive. On a three-day holiday weekend, that would mean arriving on Thursday afternoon. When returning home, try to travel on a Tuesday or early Wednesday if you can manage the extra time off.

• Pack a cooler – Motorists will be feeling hunger pangs at various times throughout the day, and there likely will be long wait times at rest stops and fast food establishments. Skip the crowds by packing food to minimize stops.

• Take back roads – Make the drive part of the trip by sticking to back roads and scenic byways. This may add some time to the drive, but you’ll avoid much of the gridlock of highways and interstates.

• Consider public transportation – Public transportation can alleviate travel-related stress on a holiday weekend. Someone else, be it a train conductor or a bus driver, will navigate their way through traffic while you relax with a good book or stream a movie on a tablet.

• Bring along entertainment – AAA suggests audiobooks, podcasts and games for passengers to help pass the time on the road.

• Reduce stress as much as possible – Being a courteous driver and giving others a wide berth can minimize your own stress. By leaving ample time to get to your destination, you will feel less pressured to weave in and out of traffic or tailgate.

• Stay local – Of course, the easiest way to beat holiday weekend traffic is to stay close to home. Build fun at home and choose less popular travel weekends for your getaways.

Holiday weekend traffic often is no joke. But there are ways to minimize the hassle of traveling to enjoy the extra time away.