What's The Best Time To Travel For 4th Of July Vacations?

OHIO — A record number of Ohioans have planned road trips to celebrate the 4th of July.

Approximately 2.9 million Buckeye State residents will be driving to a vacation spot for Independence Day. They'll join 43.6 million other Americans on the highways.

That will mean clogged highways and long delays for some travelers as they try to escape their hometown for the holiday. Luckily, analysts at AAA have mapped the best times to leave home and the worst times to start the trip.

July 4th is a Sunday this year, so many offices will observe the holiday on Monday.

Here are the best times to leave for your trip:

• Thursday
  • Best time to travel: After 7 p.m.
  • Worst time to travel: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday
  • Best time to travel: Before 12 p.m.
  • Worst time to travel: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday
  • Best time to travel: After 2 p.m.
  • Worst time to travel: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There shouldn't be much traffic on the roads on Sunday, AAA said.

As travelers return from their trip, Monday afternoon promises to be a time of heavy traffic congestion, particularly between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Road trippers will want to head home prior to 1 p.m. to beat the rush.