HOUSTON — AAA is expecting 3.8 million Texans to travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day weekend, which would set a record for the holiday.
That figure would be five percent higher than in 2022 and seven percent higher than 2019, which was not only pre-pandemic but also when the previous record was set.
Joshua Zuber, a spokesperson for AAA Texas, predicts Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. would be the busiest time to travel on the roads.
“When it comes to perhaps the least congested times, the best times to travel, the coolest times to travel, (it’s) going to of course be in the morning time,” Zuber said. “So with the exception of the morning commute, that’s probably going to be your best bet to avoid the traffic and get the, in relative term, coolest temperatures.”
Most Texas travelers will be driving and enjoying much lower gas prices: an average of $3.17 per gallon across Texas compared to around $4.50 per gallon during the same time in 2022.
AAA expects to help about 21,000 people on roadsides throughout Texas this holiday weekend.
Zuber recommends checking a vehicle’s batteries, engine and tires before heading out, or even better, having a mechanic do so, if possible.
The Buc-ees in Katy remained busy late Friday afternoon with travelers stocking up on snacks and some carrying much more than luggage.
Kenyatta Smith was travelling to Wimberley for an annual rodeo with his horse trailer in tow.
“About average,” Smith said, when asked how traffic so far has compared to previous July 4th weekends. “It’s normally crowded here around this time, so I’m trying to get here early before it gets too bad.”
There were also several moving vans at Bucee’s Friday afternoon.
Stefanie Taylor and her family were just over halfway through their drive from California to their new home in Florida.
“It’s not too bad,” said Taylor. “We hit some traffic in Texas, but that’s about it. A couple of accidents.”
Houston airports will also be crowded. Bush and Hobby are expected to welcome around 1.09 passengers between June 29 and July 4, which is 13 percent more compared to a similar six-day period in 2022 and five percent more than in 2019.
Houston airport officials expect Friday to be their busiest day. They recommend reserving parking online at least six hours before arriving at the airport.