travel on 4th of july

7 Festive Places to Visit for a July 4 Weekend Getaway

Because where else would you be.

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New York City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show lights up the Manhattan skyline.

Photo by Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

No other holiday encapsulates summer quite like Fourth of July, when people revel in outdoor barbecues and parades (and, in the case of New York City’s Coney Island, gorge on hot dogs at breakneck speed). Complete your festivities with a nightly fireworks show, and you’ve got yourself an Independence Day celebration that would make the Founding Fathers proud.

Giving us even more of a reason to celebrate, July 4 lands on a Thursday this year. So if you’re lucky—or plan ahead—and can get your Friday off, you can let the good times roll over a four-day weekend getaway.

Feeling a red, white, and blue kind of summer trip? Here are the best places to be in the United States on July 4 that double as great weekend trip destinations.

1. New York City, New York

You won’t get much shut-eye with all of those fireworks, so why not see them in the city that never sleeps? The country’s biggest fireworks display is conducted by Macy’s , which launches a fireworks show from barges on either the East or Hudson River in New York City ( visit their website for the most up-to-date information for viewing locations ). Considering that more than 3 million live spectators come out to see the fireworks, your best bet to avoid the crowds is to find a restaurant or friend’s rooftop to see the event. Alternatively, you can consider smaller shows like the one on Coney Island , where you can walk down a nearly three-mile boardwalk and spend the day on the beach before the fireworks.

Daytime events abound for Independence Day as well, including Nathan’s annual hot dog–eating contest , which is held in Coney Island every July 4. Though star player Joey Chestnut will not be making an appearance this year, it’ll be exciting to see who takes Chestnut’s place after his eight-year winning streak.

If you come to Bristol for Independence Day, expect a parade that goes all out—Revolutionary attire included.

Photo by James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

2. Bristol, Rhode Island

While the big cities duke it out to determine which place has the splashiest celebration for July 4, this Rhode Island town has gone the longest. The town of about 22,000 people started celebrating the nation’s independence in 1785 with a parade, and it’s become the longest continuing Independence Day celebration in the United States.

It’s a title the town fully embraces, with festivities that make Independence Day a weeks -long event. The festivities start on June 14 with a Flag Day Ceremony —complete with a town crier—and conclude with the town’s famous July 4 parade . In between, celebrate events like a summer concert series and Fourth of July Ball . After Independence Day, take advantage of the prime weather and check out the Ocean State’s many beaches .

3. San Francisco, California

San Francisco ’s Pier 39 hosts several citywide celebrations throughout the year: One of them is a fireworks display every Independence Day. (Pro tip: Avoid the traffic in Fisherman’s Wharf by choosing to come and go using public transportation.) For daytime events, look to smaller locales like Sonoma for parades with a hometown feel. Or take the trip across the Oakland Bay Bridge to the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum . Every Independence Day, the retired warship hosts a Fourth of July BBQ on its flight deck.

If you can swing a weekend in San Francisco, there’s plenty of sightseeing to do , starting with a visit to the Golden Gate Park and to the Saturday farmers’ market at the Ferry Building. The city was ranked as one of the World’s Best Cities of 2024 because of the car-free street movement that has been rolling out since the COVID-19 pandemic—so definitely take a bike and bring your best walking shoes.

Concerts and fireworks are July 4 staples in Washington, D.C.

Photos by Redswept/Shutterstock and Roberto Galan/Shutterstock

4. Washington, D.C.

Quite the no-brainer when it comes to places to celebrate Independence Day, but if you’re heading to this city for the first week in July, there are quite a few events to put on your calendar. There’s the annual National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, where drum corps and bands march alongside floats in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators. You can also head to the National Mall and see top musicians perform at A Capitol Fourth , the U.S. national Independence Day celebration; 2023’s lineup included performances from Chicago and Boyz II Men.

The main fireworks show, hosted by the National Parks Service, draws hundreds of thousands of people to the heart of downtown. Want a less-crowded alternative viewpoint? Bring a blanket and go to Gravelly Point Park, a couple of miles north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. You’ll be able to see the fireworks from across the river, with the added bonus of seeing planes take off from DCA. Afterward, read advice from locals and check out what you can do over four days in Washington, D.C.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

You can count on music being a big part of Nashville’s July 4 celebrations, namely in its Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event. Last year’s party featured headliner Brad Paisley, along with Ben Rector, The War and Treaty, Langhorne Slim, and Tiera Kennedy. The annual show concludes with fireworks in downtown Nashville. Catch the event from the rooftop of hotels like Bobby Nashville (last year’s tickets included a BBQ cookout), The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels , and W Nashville .

But while July 4 celebrations are great and all, you can’t leave Nashville before digging into its famous hot chicken or checking out a music museum. Take at least 48 hours to explore its distinct neighborhoods and outdoor spaces—including a replica of Athen’s Parthenon —to make the most of your time in Tennessee.

More than 200 years after the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Harbor is a place for Independence Day festivity.

Photo by Keith J Finks/Shutterstock

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Since that whole Boston Tea Party incident hundreds of years ago, Boston has been tied to the country’s independence. The city celebrates its history with Harborfest , a weeklong event that’s one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals.

From July 1 to 7, listen to the live music acts in Downtown Crossing and try different renditions of clam chowder at Chowderfest . At night, settle down along the Inner Harbor to see Harborfest’s fireworks launch from a barge at Boston’s Long Wharf. Spend the weekend to check out some of the new developments that have been happening in the historic city , such as the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, opened in 2022.

7. St. Louis, Missouri

Travel to St. Louis for July 4 and celebrate the nation’s independence in Gateway Arch National Park , the smallest national park in the country. The city celebrates with its America’s Birthday Parade , which has been going on since 1878 and was modeled after New Orleans’s Mardi Gras celebration (floats from New Orleans were even shipped to St. Louis during the first few years of the parade). You can watch 2024’s parade along Market Street in Downtown St. Louis and catch the nightly fireworks by the Gateway Arch.

After chowing down on classic Independence Day burgers and hot dogs, take the weekend to discover St. Louis’s iconic eats —gooey butter cake and pork steak, anyone?

The article was most recently updated on June 26, 2024 to include current information.

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9 of the Best Places to Travel for the 4th of July

An average of 60 million Americans travel for the 4th of July, according to the AAA, and while some prefer celebrations in the U.S. complete with patriotic parades and fireworks, more people are opting for vacations abroad. “We’re seeing clients capitalize on 4th of July falling on a Thursday this year, which offers more time for immersion wherever they are going,” explains Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company, Black Tomato.

Unsurprisingly, many of Marchant’s clients are choosing to immerse themselves in Italy, which is shaping up to be the hottest ticket across key travel companies including Virtuoso, Indagare, and Scott Dunn. Cruising Lake Como on a vintage Riva? Seeing ancient Rome from Bulgari’s chic new rooftop bar? Dining al fresco along the rainbow-hued Amalfi Coast? La dolce vita glamor is in abundance in Italy, and an endless variety of adventures are possible, from the shores of Sicily to the charming canals of Venice.

Paris is, of course, also having a moment with the Olympics (and Vogue World ahead of the opening), and travelers are adding on accessible side trips, from Versailles, just forty minutes away, to Provence and the French Riviera in the south. “The Mediterranean is always popular over the summer,” says Indagare’s founder, Melissa Biggs Bradley. “The Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ibiza, Santorini, and the French Riviera are all top destinations year after year.”

But the classic American towns that have lured generations of holidaymakers remain a popular option. “Many of our clients are looking for something within driving distance that offers a quintessential taste of summer—lobster rolls, ice cream, beach days with family and friends, watering holes on the water, and charming seaside or mountain towns,” explains Biggs Bradley.

Whether you’re interested in something local, a European excursion, or relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, these are the best destinations to experience this 4th of July.

New York City, USA

Everything is more extravagant in New York, and seeing the fireworks light up the Manhattan skyline is a magical way to celebrate. Beyond the annual show (which is set to take place on the Hudson River), it goes without saying that there is a lot to do in the Big Apple. Summer represents a different version of the city: you can cruise out to Lady Liberty on The Mark Sailboat, park up for a picnic in Central Park, or take in the views from one of the city’s rooftop bars. Shop the latest designer collections at Bergdorf Goodman and wander along Madison Avenue to The Lowell for its new Dior high tea in the courtyard. There are always new exhibitions at world-renowned museums including the Met, the Guggenheim, MoMA, and the Whitney (we highly recommend the Costume Institute’s “Sleeping Beauties”). If you’re into the theatre, book a Broadway show ( The Great Gatsby is an entertaining new addition), or for a more intimate affair, head to Aman’s chic jazz club or the iconic Café Carlyle—some of the most elegant date night options around. Fine dining aficionados should check out Café Boulud, which offers four unique menus to suit a variety of palates (including vegan and Asian-inspired options). And to refresh after pacing around the city, head to The Well for a lymphatic drainage massage and a yoga class. It is, of course, notoriously hot in July, so be sure to pack some airy summer dresses and good walking shoes.

Where to stay:

Where you stay in New York depends entirely on what kind of experience you are hoping to have: Covering key attractions? Getting amongst the nightlife? Or living like a local? If you want to explore major landmarks and museums, consider The Carlyle or The Mark, each located on the glitziest blocks of the Upper East Side, within walking distance of Central Park (you’ll probably recognize the gilded lobbies from the Met Gala departures). And for something less storied but equally fabulous? Head downtown to Fouquet’s—the most luxurious hotel to open in the city in years , situated on a quiet yet high-end corner of Tribeca. It has a chic rooftop, Le Vaux (only open to members and hotel guests), a gorgeous subterranean spa, and the most photogenic rooms in the city.

Rome, Italy

If you feel like you’ve been seeing more of the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica on your Instagram feed lately, you’re not imagining it—the Eternal City is indeed having a moment. Rome is the most popular tour destination globally for July 4 th , per data from the AAA, and over recent years, its luxury hotel scene has multiplied with several five-star hotels opening , including the Six Senses, The Rome Edition, and Casa Monti , which opened its doors just in time for summer. Our pick of the bunch? The ultra-luxurious Bulgari Hotel is in the center of the city, where you can escape into a glossy world of Italian craftsmanship and hospitality. It has 360-degree views from its chic rooftop terrace and is undoubtedly the best place to base yourself, especially if you’re only in Rome for a weekend. And what to prioritize if you are on limited time? “Visit Villa Medici, walk through Villa Borghese, and check out the exhibitions at Galleria Borghese. From there walk to Coppedè,” advises Italy Segreta’s Marina Cacciapuoti. For lunch on the go during a day of requisite sightseeing, Emily Fitzroy, founder of Bellini Travel, recommends an authentic new pizza al taglio joint, Pantera, located in the garden district. “I challenge you to spend more than 10 euros, but be quick, everything tends to sell out by midday!” she says. Another reason to visit now? 2025 marks the Jubilee and the city is expecting over 30 million visitors (for context, around four million people live in Rome currently, and as you might have guessed, locals perceive the incoming influx as un problema ).

Like Bulgari Milano—which has been the unofficial Fashion Week address since it opened in 2004—Bulgari Hotel Roma has quickly established itself as the most sophisticated stay in the city. It excels in everything that matters: location, atmosphere, cuisine, design, and service. It’s always bustling with characters that look like they’ve emerged straight from a glamorous photoshoot, but it’s also a haven of rejuvenation, from its spa and spectacular pool resembling a Roman bath, to its rooms with sprawling marble bathrooms and extensive pillow menus. Here you’ll find well-heeled locals enjoying espresso and biscotti at Il Caffé, and in the evenings, the rooftop restaurant rooftop helmed by Niko Romito is the place to be, with postcard views of Rome. It also has its own chocolate boutique, where you can find beautiful handmade chocolates with unique flavor combinations.

Hawaii, USA

Nowhere embodies a classic American resort destination quite like Hawaii, which is perhaps why it was the location that kicked off the White Lotus series. Since then, it has boomed, and this July, it’s ranked as one of the top domestic destinations across airlines and hotel booking sites (Leading Hotels of the World told Vogue that Halekulani is its most booked hotel nationwide). The island state’s ascent is part revival, part nostalgia. Resortwear royalty, Nicky Zimmermann, who launched the brand’s first boutique in Honolulu in 2022, says Hawaii was one of her first holidays, and it still holds fond memories: “It’s a place that allows you to embrace feelings of summer and vacation,” she says. Zimmerman is among many high-end brands that have set up shop in recent years, catering to the rise of stylish jetsetters and honeymooners. Also catering to those crowds are luxurious new hotels, elevating the retro lineup that has long characterized its sandy shores (there’s Mauna Lani from Auberge, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, and Rosewood’s Kona Village, to name a few). Beyond shopping at Ala Moana and spending days at the beach, a lovely way to experience Hawaii is to step away from the overcrowded tourist spots and embrace the great outdoors: hike up Diamond Head, charter a sunset cruise, or book a surf lesson at a less crowded beach (basically anywhere but Waikiki).

The Four Seasons Maui (where the White Lotus was filmed) saw a 425% increase in searches following the release date, and today it’s still riding the buzz. If you want the same luxurious standards without the crowds, opt for one of the group’s other Hawaiian properties, such as the beachfront Four Seasons Lanai or the wellness-focused Four Seasons Sensei Lanai, 20 minutes inland. There’s also, of course, the revered Halekulani in Honolulu, which boasts all the requisite resort highlights.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island, USA

We’ve all seen Taylor Swift’s ‘Taymericana’ festivities on the shores of Rhode Island, which presents the question: if you can celebrate anywhere, why choose here? The reason is simple: it has beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and a low-key vibe that makes for a lovely long weekend escape. Unlike some of the more bustling beach towns on the Northeast, Watch Hill is a private place where people tend to go with friends and family to enjoy enduring summer rituals: Sunsets spent grilling lobster and corn on the cobb, days spent reading books on the beach, or perhaps hiking to Napatree Point (a wildlife preserve). Watch Hill is not a place where you will encounter throngs of tourists, but there is one notable place that has attracted sophisticated travelers since it originally opened in 1868: Ocean House, one of Relais & Chateaux’s few five-star hotels in the region, with sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Here guests occupy their days with the same leisurely activities as affluent New England residents: croquet on the lawn, squash, tennis, golf, making s’mores over a firepit in the evening. It has six dining options and a seemingly endless list of amenities, including a 12,000 square-foot spa with an indoor lap pool, yacht tours, and a Center for Wine and Culinary Arts, where guests can book in to do cooking classes and wine-tasting sessions.

Ocean House is a destination in and of itself. Book one of its 20 signature suites, or if you need more space, it has a collection of well-appointed cottages located nearby. A more informal option is its sister property, the Weekapaug Inn, located a 15-minute drive eastward—particularly popular for younger crowds and families over holiday weekends.

Paris, France

Paris needs no headline event to be an appealing destination, but the Olympics has reinvigorated the city’s cultural credentials and its hospitality industry. Furthermore, Vogue World (scheduled for June 23) will be a pre-opening ceremony of sorts, celebrating fashion, sports, and building hype in the French capital ahead of the event (a limited number of tickets are available here ). Beyond the bucket-list landmarks—the Eiffel Tower! Notre Dame! The Louvre!—Paris is home to 12 hotels that are so fabulous they have been awarded Palace distinction, so if you’re in the market for a lavish escape, this is the place. Sex and the City fans will recall the exquisitely opulent suite at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in the series finale, and that flawless standard can be found throughout the arrondissements, from LVMH’s Cheval Blanc in the first, to the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the eighth, and Hotel Lutetia in the sixth. For something completely unique, you can quite literally live like Marie Antoinette by venturing 30 minutes out of the city center to Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Controle. Here, you can do a private tour of the iconic Hall of Mirrors, enjoy a private performance at the Royal Opera, and experience a decadent 18 th -century-style banquet. But simply floating around the city like a modern-day Parisian is a lovely way to spend a weekend. Wander around the Tuileries Gardens, enjoy an espresso in the Marais, and take in some of the stunning impressionist artworks at Musée d’lOrangerie and Musée d’Orsay. And if you want to arrive looking fresh from the transatlantic journey, consider flying Air France, which has Clarins spas in its airport lounges offering pre-flight facials (it also just unveiled new Michelin-star menus).

It’s hard to stand out in the land of Palace hotels, but spending the night at Versailles is a bucket list experience indeed. You really only need a night to take it all in and do the private tours, so once you’ve emerged from your boudoir (appropriately appointed with towers of Ladurée macarons), head to Paris and check into the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located in the eighth, otherwise known as ‘The Golden Triangle,’ within walking distance of key attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysées. And if you really want to live it up, book the Eiffel Tower Suite , featured on Emily in Paris .

Chatham, Cape Cod, USA

More accessible and less crowded than Nantucket, Cape Cod is a quintessential New England getaway located just a 4.5-hour drive from New York and just over an hour from Boston. It’s an excellent option if you enjoy authentic, low-key towns, free of any chains or markers of tourism. Instead, you’ll find a 70-year-old candy shop, family-owned arts and crafts stores, quaint boutiques, and a handful of casual restaurants. Many East Coasters own summer houses on ‘the Cape,’ and some are available via Airbnb or Vrbo, but there is really only one hotel to consider and that is Chatham Bars Inn. The charming hotel has a quarter-mile private beach, five restaurants, and a lovely spa with an outdoor adults-only pool. It’s the center of activity for July fourth each year with line dancing, fireworks, cornhole tournaments, a float in Chatham’s annual parade, and a carnival with activities for all ages. One of the best things about visiting in July is the variety of boat cruises on offer: you can do a whale-watching tour, an evening sunset cruise, or even a venture to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day trip.

Chatham Bars Inn has 217 rooms throughout the historic main inn and 30 shingle-style cottages surrounding the property, including a collection of adult-only spa suites. But for the best experience, request an ocean-facing suite, where you can wander on down to a beach cabana and order a glass of Sancerre.

The Hamptons, USA

New Yorkers will be heading to the Hamptons in droves through until Labor Day, and every long weekend the Long Island holiday enclave becomes a little bit livelier and noticeably more crowded. To plan an enjoyable trip, there are a few things to consider: firstly, it’s wise to make restaurant reservations in advance, as hotspots like Sunset Beach, Si Si, and Le Bilboquet can book out (most of the good ones are available on Resy, but some are walk-in only, including Crow’s Nest and Duryea’s). Secondly, the traffic heading out east on any long weekend can be absolutely dire . But, if you stay closer to the city, you can avoid a lot of it, which is why Canoe Place, 20 minutes from Southampton, is an excellent option. Another great place to consider is The Reform Club, further up in the heart of Amagansett, within walking distance of the shops and cafes (including The Row’s new boutique, for all of your quiet luxury wardrobe needs). Beyond the usual Hamptons activities (beach, dine, drink, relax, and repeat), there are various festivities for the fourth, including fireworks, designer pop-ups, DJ sets from Navy Beach to Gurney’s and, of course, the perennial reveler’s paradise, The Surf Lodge, where Diplo will be playing. And if you’re in the mood to shop, head to Newton Lane, where key designer boutiques (Gucci, Loewe, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton) have curated collections to suit the Hamptons lifestyle. The final thing to consider is that you really need a car to get around, since everything is so spread out: Kyte is a convenient option, which delivers your vehicle to your preferred address and picks it up once you’re back. And whether you’re staying at a hotel or a rental property, be sure to ask about a parking permit, as beach parking is restricted to residents during the summer months.

Canoe Place claims to be America’s oldest inn, but it recently underwent an extensive renovation, and everything has been updated with chic decor and contemporary comforts to suit modern holidaymakers. It has a collection of cottages, which are ideal if you’re traveling with children or as a group. The Reform Club also has a collection of well-appointed cottages with private outdoor spaces.

Turks and Caicos

If you’re seeking a beach holiday where you can relax and rejuvenate, your choice of where to stay is paramount, because the entire point is that you won’t want to leave. So, with that in mind, it’s best to skip the overcrowded all-inclusive and go for something sophisticated and secluded. Amanyara is just that, widely considered one of the best resorts in the Caribbean, located on the Northwest coast of Providenciales. It has a private beach, a variety of watersports ranging from scuba diving to paddleboarding, an outdoor yoga sala , a tranquil spa, two restaurants, and a poolside bar. It’s a family-friendly destination, too, offering an extensive range of children’s activities including everything from interactive science camps, where children are encouraged to learn about local marine life and coastal conservation, to pizza-making classes. This July, it has the chocolatier from Wonka hosting masterclasses along with a series of wellness experiences from the sisters behind KYN (holistic health pioneer, Erika Bloom, also hosts regular wellness immersions at Amanyara). It is highly unlikely that you’ll feel inclined to go anywhere else once you check in, but if the mood strikes to explore the island, it’s a 30-minute drive into Grace Bay where there are several restaurants, a few shops, and some beach clubs (but take our advice and save that sort of thing for St. Barth’s).

The question is not where, but what room? Amanyara has 36 secluded pavilions and 20 sprawling villas that come with private chefs and dedicated hosts—ideal for multigenerational holidays where you can stay together and still have your privacy.

Surfside, USA

If you want the highlights of Miami without the scene, venture four miles up the coast to Surfside, where you can enjoy the same Floridian sunshine, crystalline waters, and Art Deco charm without being surrounded by bachelorette parties. And while neighboring Miami and Palm Beach have many five-star hotels to choose from (The Setai and The Colony Hotel are the most notable), in Surfside there is only one place you will want to stay: The Four Seasons, which took over the iconic Surf Club in 2017. It has every amenity you could want, with three pools, a kids club, a spa, and excellent dining from the Italian Lido with its new Crudo Bar, to Thomas Keller’s first Florida-based restaurant. For the fourth, the hotel’s more casual restaurant, Winston’s, will be hosting a BBQ and sunset picnics will be served on the beach, complete with champagne, but if you feel like venturing out, it’s only a 20-minute drive to central Miami, where you could book into a buzzy restaurant like Carbone, Byblos, or Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House. And for a spot of shopping, the Bal Harbor shops are only a four-minute walk away (where you’ll find luxury boutiques and a notable restaurant, Makoto), or if you want to head into Miami’s Design District is just nine miles away.

The Four Seasons Surfside is one of the most elegant hotels in Florida (hence why Dolce & Gabbana chose it as the venue for its Alta Moda show in 2022). It has 20 different room types, including light-filled oceanfront suites and residences with fully equipped kitchens and laundries—an excellent option for families traveling with kids.

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The Best Days to Fly Around the Fourth of July in 2024

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Table of Contents

The best and worst days to fly July Fourth weekend

How this year’s thursday holiday might impact long weekends, the smarter, cheaper fourth of july travel itinerary in 2024, what about driving on fourth of july.

For folks planning July Fourth vacations, prepare for crowds. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record number of passengers during the 2023 July Fourth weekend, and those records are likely to be broken in 2024.

AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period, which it considers the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. AAA's travel estimations mark a 5% increase over the actual number of travelers in 2023. They're an even-heftier 8% increase over 2019's total number of travelers.

Of those, an estimated 5.74 million people will fly to their July Fourth destination, according to AAA, which is a 7% increase versus last year.

With the expected big crowds in mind, are some days better for air travel than others?

In 2024, July Fourth falls on a Thursday, which puts a wrench in predicting travel crowds. Will folks take the Friday after off to enjoy the long weekend? Or will they decide their vacation time is best used for another holiday?

Here’s some guidance around booking July Fourth weekend air travel in 2024, how you might be able to avoid the crowds — and potentially save money on airfare .

Are airports busy on July Fourth? NerdWallet analyzed TSA data showing the number of passengers screened at its U.S. checkpoints over the past three years, homing in on the seven days before and after July Fourth, to find the busiest days to fly.

The worst days to fly: To avoid crowds, don’t fly the Friday before July Fourth. In each of the past three years, the Friday before July Fourth was the busiest travel day before the Fourth of July weekend.

For post-holiday travel, the Sunday after ranks as the busiest day to fly.

The best days to fly: Typically, July Fourth is the least busy day to fly. On July Fourth of last year, airport crowds averaged just 70% of what they were relative to the busiest travel day, which was the Friday before July Fourth (June 30, 2023).

But if you’d rather spend July Fourth celebrating — and not in an airport — turn to Tuesday. The Tuesdays before and after the holiday rank among the least busy days to fly during July Fourth week.

The rankings of best and worst days to fly for July Fourth follow year-round travel patterns. No matter when you’re traveling, Fridays are, on average, the busiest day to fly, and Tuesdays are, on average, the least busy days to fly.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday, so people intending to travel for the holiday will likely take the next day, Friday, off and make it a long weekend. But given how few people are willing to travel on Independence Day, when will people actually fly?

The last time July Fourth fell on a Thursday was in 2019. Here’s a look at travel crowds by day in 2019, ranked from most to least crowded:

Sunday after, July 7 (most crowded).

Monday after, July 8.

Friday before, June 28.

Thursday before, June 27.

Sunday before, June 30.

Thursday after, July 11.

Wednesday before, July 3.

Wednesday after, July 10.

Tuesday after, July 9.

Monday before, July 1.

Saturday before, June 29.

Tuesday before, July 2.

Saturday after, July 6.

Friday after, July 5.

Thursday, July Fourth (least crowded).

In 2019, the July Fourth holiday was the least busy day to fly. Meanwhile, July 5, the day after the holiday, wasn’t busy either. That bucks the usual trend of Friday being the busiest travel day of the week. When it comes to July Fourth weekend travel, most people are already set in their locations by Friday.

But there’s one day that people are definitely crowding airports, and that’s the Sunday after July Fourth. Flying this day will cost you, too. According to travel booking app Hopper’s 2024 Travel Booking Hacks report, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly in the U.S., with airfares averaging 15% more than midweek departures.

Following typical July Fourth holiday travel patterns could mean costs in terms of airfare and time spent waiting in line at the airport. Deviate from that schedule to find lighter crowds and perhaps better July Fourth flight deals, too. Try these travel days instead:

Fly on July Fourth

If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday, you’re looking at the single emptiest air travel day of the period analyzed.

Do one better by flying early on the holiday. Hopper’s spring 2023 Flight Disruption Outlook found that flights that depart from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. are half as likely to be delayed as flights with scheduled departure times after 9 a.m.

Plus, a morning flight improves your odds of catching the fireworks at your final destination.

Embrace Saturday travel

Rather than rush out from work on the Friday afternoon before the holiday to jump on a flight, relax at home that evening and depart Saturday morning before instead. Simply shifting your trip by one day could likely result in going from one of the busiest to lightest travel days of the July Fourth travel period.

The same goes for returning home. While it can be tempting to extend your trip as long as possible before you have to get back to work on Monday, skip the Sunday flight and fly home on Saturday instead. Bonus: You’ll have a day at home to rest and recover before the new workweek. How responsible of you.

Fly on July 5

Though Friday is typically one of the most expensive days to fly year-round, that’s unlikely to be the case this particular week.

So another option is to fly home on July 5. This allows you to still spend the holiday in your destination of choice. By returning on Friday, you’ll still have the full weekend at home to take a vacation from your vacation before Monday.

While airports will be packed, the roads probably won't be much better.

AAA 2024 projections expect a record 60.6 million people will travel by car during the holiday week, which is 2.8 million more travelers than last year. It's also well over the 55.3 million people who traveled by car during July Fourth in 2019.

If you are driving and are seeking to save money on gas , use gas price apps and pay with a gas credit card so you earn bonus points at gas stations.

If you're driving a car that you expect to book from a rental car agency, be prepared to pay up. The average cost of a car rental today is significantly higher than the same month in 2019 pre-pandemic, according to NerdWallet's travel price tracker , which is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How gas prices will impact holiday travel

But there is at least some reprieve for travelers who will drive to their destination — and particularly those grappling with the decision to drive versus fly .

Average as prices are lower this year versus last, and AAA predicts that they'll continue to fall leading up to July Fourth.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Earn 5 free nights at an IHG property after $4k in spend (each night valued at up to 60k points).

The 15 Best Places to Visit for the 4th of July

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The United States has several holidays in honor of important days in its history, but perhaps none is more widely celebrated than the 4th of July, also known as our Independence Day. The day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring that the US would no longer be a part of the British empire. 

Throughout the country, you’ll find parades and fireworks displays, with some cities even breaking out the Declaration of Independence itself to read to an excited crowd. From small-town celebrations to massive festivals in some of our most historic cities, this list is sure to help you find the best place to be on the 4th of July for your Independence Day getaway!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

1. Go Back to Where It All Started at Plymouth

There are few places in the US more entrenched in our nation’s history than Plymouth , Massachusetts, the site of the first permanent settlement by Europeans in New England. This historic spot offers one of the best 4th of July vacation ideas with a full day of family fun , including a race, a parade, concerts, and a fireworks spectacular. 

While you’re in Plymouth, be sure to stop by some of the immersive, historic landmarks the city has to offer, like the Plimoth Patuxet Museums . It’s a great place to learn about not only the colonists’ history but also the history of the Native tribes of the region.

2. Spend the Holiday in Our Nation’s Capital

We couldn’t write a list of places to visit for the 4th of July without talking about our nation’s capital, Washington, DC . Independence Day in DC means America’s National Independence Day Parade , the free A Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol, and fireworks on the National Mall. 

3. Party It Up in New York City

There’s always a party starting in New York City , and the 4th of July is certainly no exception. These massive celebrations are what makes NYC one of the best 4th of July destinations. 

Just some of the many events happening in NYC in honor of Independence Day include the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks , the New-York Historical Society ’s all-day celebration, and rooftop parties throughout the city.

There are also some less patriotic-focused events happening around this time in NYC, like the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island!

4. Immerse Yourself in History in Boston

Boston is one of the best places to go for the 4th of July if you’re looking to be surrounded by our nation’s history. When you plan a weekend getaway for the 4th of July, you can walk the historic Freedom Trail to take in some of the most iconic sights around the city.

But the 4th of July in Boston also means the return of Harborfest , a family-friendly festival that runs for several days at the start of July. During the festival, you’ll watch historical reenactments, marches, musical performances, and fireworks shows and take part in activities like the art markets and the Chowderfest food festival.

For another free thing to do on the 4th of July in Boston, you can catch the Boston Pops free concert and fireworks show over the Charles River.

5. Find Your Fellow Americans in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is another of the US’s most historic cities and another one of the coolest places to visit for the 4th of July. As the home of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s no wonder why they go big in Philly for the 4th. 

Instead of just one day or even one weekend of celebrations, Philadelphia ’s 4th of July festival, called the Wawa Welcomes America festival, lasts 16 days. The festival actually celebrates both the 4th of July and Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the US. 

Featuring free admission to museums and landmarks, live concerts, hoagie giveaways from Wawa, and a fireworks finale, the Wawa Welcomes America festival is one of the US’s best summertime celebrations!

6. Go Fireworks-Free in Breckenridge

If you’re looking for places to go on the 4th of July where you don’t have to hear fireworks all night, you’re looking for Breckenridge . In 2019, the city indefinitely banned both public and private fireworks, so you won’t be seeing any fireworks displays here for the 4th.

Instead, you’ll see fireworks-free celebrations that invite you to get outside and experience the beauty of the city. Throughout the day, you can watch or even partake in trail and bike races or just enjoy strolling through art festivals, watching parades, and celebrating our history with a patriotic concert.

7. Step Back in Time in Williamsburg

If you’re looking to literally be immersed in history, Williamsburg is easily one of the best 4th of July destinations. Colonial Williamsburg puts on an amazing show in its immersive, historic neighborhoods, with events including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, costumed players marching through the streets, musical performances, and a fireworks showcase. 

8. Enjoy the Festivals around St. Louis

You might have to do a bit of traveling to see the best of the St. Louis area for Independence Day, so we definitely recommend going for a 4th of July weekend instead of just for the day of the holiday. In Downtown St. Louis, you’ll find America’s Birthday Parade featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and dance tropes decked out in red, white, and blue.

In nearby O’Fallon, there’s the Heritage & Freedom Fest , a multi-day carnival filled with rides, traditional fair treats, free concerts, and a parade. Over in Saint Charles is another multi-day celebration, the Saint Charles Riverfest , featuring a carnival, live music, children’s activities, and a fireworks extravaganza.

9. Spend the Day in Cape May

Summertime is the best time to be at the Jersey Shore, enjoying the warm water, sunny days, and fun-filled boardwalks. Over in Cape May, this 4th of July weekend getaway offers you an annual Independence Day Parade, followed by a fireworks spectacular. Enjoy a sunset on the beach before watching those bursts of color illuminate the sky!

10. Rock Out in Nashville

It’s so fitting that the Independence Day celebration in Nashville , one of the best 4th of July destinations, is called Let Freedom Sing . After all, they don’t call it Music City for nothing. This annual tradition brings together some of the biggest names in music for a free concert in the streets of Downtown Nashville. 

This patriotic party is then followed by one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, with pyrotechnics synchronized with a live performance by the Nashville Symphony. It’s a music-filled celebration you don’t want to miss.

11. Find History Come to Life in Dallas

Dallas is where you’ll find quite a few Independence Day celebrations, making this city a contender for one of the best 4th of July vacation ideas. Fair Park Fourth at historic Fair Park offers kid-friendly activities, local artisans showing off their masterpieces, the best food trucks in the area, and more live music and entertainment, all leading up to a fireworks spectacular.

Another celebration awaits at Klyde Warren Park , where little ones are bound to love the easy access to the children’s park. But the most unique celebration is over at the Dallas Heritage Village , where their Old-Fashioned Fourth invites you to join in the parade, dine on apple pie, and explore historic buildings, with funds going to support the local community.

12. Enjoy the Beauty and Fun of Pigeon Forge

With the Smoky Mountains surrounding you and tons of family-friendly activities to explore, Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to go on the 4th of July. Independence Day brings about the annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival , featuring live music, local food vendors, and a fireworks extravaganza.

If you plan on spending the whole weekend in Pigeon Forge, be sure to spend a day over in Dollywood , where you can ride coasters, see live shows, and check out their Summer Celebration. This annual tradition invites you to ride the rides well into the night before you watch the Sweet Summer Nights light-up drone show and fireworks finale. 

13. Find Celebrations Galore in Charleston

Charleston is one of the most vibrant and historic cities in the US, making it one of the best places to go for the 4th of July. During your 4th of July weekend getaway, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets and tour the colorful landmarks that call the city home.

For a one-of-a-kind fireworks show, get your tickets to the Patriots Point Fireworks Blast, where you’ll board the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in nearby Mount Pleasant. In addition to watching the fireworks on the flight deck, you’ll also enjoy plenty of food trucks and live music counting you down until sunset.

14. Experience the Charm of Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is considered the gateway to Acadia National Park , but it’s a destination all its own, and it’s one of the best places to go for the 4th of July. There’s a reason why their 4th of July celebration is consistently voted one of the best in the US!

Bar Harbor offers a whole weekend of fun, with the annual Lobster Scavenger Hunt, a pancake breakfast, a craft fair, a seafood festival, a parade, a concert series, and a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay. 

15. Wander Through the History of St. Augustine

What’s the oldest city in the US? You might be thinking of Boston or Philadelphia, as they’re so tied to American history, but the oldest city in the US can actually be found in Florida. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is a goldmine of beautiful historic landmarks, which is just one of the reasons why it’s one of the best 4th of July destinations. 

On this patriotic holiday, you’ll also find the Fireworks Over the Matanzas, featuring a two-hour concert in St. Augustine’s Historic District, followed by one of the biggest fireworks displays on the East Coast!

There you have it! The 15 best places to go for the 4th of July. What’s your favorite 4th of July destination? Let us know in the comments!

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Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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4th of July travel: What to know before hitting the skies or the road

July 1 is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel.

This Fourth of July is expected to be the second-busiest for travel since 2000, with 47.9 million Americans taking trips, according to AAA.

Here's what to know before you head to the airport or hit the highways.

Friday, July 1 is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the holiday weekend. Monday, July 4 will likely be the lightest, according to AAA booking data.

The top domestic destinations for the holiday this year are: Orlando; Seattle; New York; Anaheim, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Ft. Lauderdale; Las Vegas; Honolulu; Denver; and Chicago, according to AAA.

Fourth of July airfare is up 45% compared to 2019, now at an average of $437 for a domestic roundtrip, according to Hopper.

But the best prices for domestic trips can be found with a quick weekend trip, flying on Saturday, July 2 and returning on Monday, July 4, according to Hopper.

Road travel

The afternoons of Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1 are anticipated to be the most crowded days on the road as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers, according to AAA.

MORE: What is a gas tax holiday? The federal proposal could offer short-term relief for drivers

More: hot car dangers: how to keep your kids safe this summer.

If you're going to brave the roads on Friday, before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is best, according to analytics company INRIX. On Thursday, before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. is best.

July 3 and July 4 are expected to be the best days for traffic, according to INRIX.

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Traveling over the Fourth of July weekend? So is everyone else

Laurel Wamsley

More than 50 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the upcoming July Fourth weekend. Traffic in Austin, Texas, is seen here in April. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

More than 50 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the upcoming July Fourth weekend. Traffic in Austin, Texas, is seen here in April.

It seems perfect — the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday this year, allowing for a nice long weekend to get away. But it might be a little too perfect: Record-setting numbers of people are predicted to travel in the coming days.

AAA, the auto association, is projecting record-breaking travel volumes for the holiday weekend. The numbers are eye-popping: More than 50 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend.

Most folks will be driving, with 43.2 million people projected to hit the road. Another 4.17 million will likely fly. And more than 3.3 million are predicted to travel by bus, cruise or train.

"A lot of people are going to be traveling, and that's despite high ticket prices, despite inflation. People still have that desire to get out of town and do something fun," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz told NPR.

Expect packed roadways

Friday is expected to be the busiest day on the road, with traffic on Sunday and Monday looking considerably lighter. AAA counts the holiday weekend as stretching from Friday, June 30, to Tuesday, July 4.

Many of the routes that AAA predicts to be most congested are between cities and nearby beaches: New York City to the Jersey Shore; Boston to Hyannis, Mass.; Washington, D.C., to Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Houston to Galveston, Texas; Portland to Cannon Beach, Oregon.

U.S. pedestrian deaths reach a 40-year high

One factor encouraging drivers is that gas prices have come down considerably from this time last year, when the national average was $4.85 a gallon . "This year we're looking at a national average of about $3.50-ish ," says Diaz. "That's good news for drivers who are getting out of town."

Why so busy? Pent-up demand

People have been flying with a vengeance as the COVID-19 pandemic moves into the rearview. The 4.17 million Americans projected to fly over the holiday weekend is an 11.2% increase over the same weekend last summer — and 6.6% higher than in 2019, before the pandemic began.

"Demand for travel is very strong. We've seen it rising each year as the pandemic has sort of neared the end, and 2023 has just been huge for travel," says Diaz.

The latest workers calling for a better quality of life: airline pilots

In May, industry group Airlines for America predicted that U.S. airlines would carry an all-time record 257 million passengers this summer, from June through August.

Travel went rather smoothly over the recent Memorial Day weekend. But there are reasons to worry that airports could get snarled in the days ahead.

People queue for rescheduled flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Tuesday. Kena Betancur/Getty Images hide caption

People queue for rescheduled flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Air travel could get messy

There has been a raft of canceled flights in recent days, particularly on United Airlines. The airline canceled thousands of flights over the past week as bad weather caused problems at New York-area airports. United's CEO blamed air traffic control staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration; the flight attendants' union pointed to the airline's internal problems scheduling crews.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told NPR's Morning Edition on Friday that air traffic control staffing issues were not the main cause of the cancellations.

"They're not even the No. 2 cause of these delays," he said. "By yesterday, the cancellation rate across the system, except for United, was back to 2%, which you'd basically consider to be a normal level. They [United] were about 10 times that."

Another factor affecting air travel could be an aviation deadline related to 5G. Buttigieg sent a letter to airlines last week warning that flights could be disrupted because some planes aren't prepared with the right equipment to handle interference from 5G signals that will see their power boosted on July 1. New radio altimeters are required to protect from interference from wireless company transmissions.

Buttigieg says the airlines have known for the last year and a half that they need to update their technology. "The majority of the fleet has been upgraded, but there are still a lot of planes out there that have not," he told NPR.

But he says the FAA will not allow anything unsafe to happen, "which means some of those aircraft may be restricted from operating at certain airports under low visibility conditions. If that happens, we are instructing the airlines to make sure to deal with that in terms of realistic scheduling," Buttigieg said.

Telecoms delay 5G launch near airports, but some airlines are canceling flights

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines told The Associated Press that all their planes have been retrofitted and that they don't expect any problems. United said its "mainline" jets were ready but deferred questions about its United Express planes to its regional carriers.

Delta Air Lines told the AP that some 190 of the more than 900 planes in its fleet won't have the updated equipment by the deadline, meaning there could be restrictions on operating those planes in bad weather. The airline said it would route the planes to minimize disruption.

Airlines for America (A4A), a trade group representing the airlines, said in a statement to NPR that its member carriers "are working diligently to ensure fleets are equipped with compliant radio altimeters, but global supply chains continue to lag behind current demand. Carriers have repeatedly communicated this reality to the government. ... Nevertheless, thanks to careful planning, A4A member carriers are confident in their ability to maintain the integrity of their schedules, despite the impending deadline."

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15 Best Places to Travel in July

These are the best places to travel in July in the United States and around the world.

Homer, Alaska

Portland, oregon, columbia, missouri, outer banks, north carolina, new hampshire, aspen and snowmass, colorado, newport, rhode island, eastern virginia, montréal, canada, costa brava, spain, queensland, australia, paris, france.

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July is the height of the summer vacation season, and if you’re thinking of getting away for a bit, we have some ideas for you. Whether you want to be part of the crowd in Paris or prefer an out-of-the-way destination, we’ve got you covered. With our research and experience, along with suggestions from local experts, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel this July in the United States and around the world.

Related: 25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2024

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Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and in July as “The City of Peonies,” Homer is a commercial fishing community located on Kachemak Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The annual Homer Peony Celebration , July 1-30, celebrates the flowers grown on Homer’s 25 peony farms, where ideal conditions produce large, vibrant blooms. Orcas and humpback whales spend summers in Kachemak Bay, making it an ideal spot for whale watching. Mandy Dixon, chef and owner of the James Beard Award-nominated La Baleine Cafe says, “July is a time when Homer transforms into a vibrant hub of natural beauty and cultural festivities," calling out "the July 4 parade, with its funky small-town floats celebrating our community spirit.”

Where to Stay: Homer offers lodging options ranging from RV parks to hotels. Stay nearby at Within the Wild 's Tutka Bay Lodge, just a water taxi ride away from Homer. Or consider taking an Alaska cruise for a more laid-back approach.

photoquest7/Getty Images

Summers in Portland are sunny and dry with temperatures in the high 70s, perfect for being outdoors. The city’s walkable downtown is known for tax-free shopping, casual dining at food carts , and coffee culture. July brings the Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7) with more than 100 performances spread across four stages in Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, kicking off on July 4 with Oregon’s largest fireworks show. “The Waterfront Blues Festival is not just a music event. It’s a celebration of community, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to share in the joy of live music, dance, food, art, and all the things we love about Portland,” festival director Christina Fuller said in a press release.

Where to Stay: You and your pet can enjoy luxury together at The Nines Hotel . The Ritz-Carlton, Portland , which opened in late 2023, offers views of Portland’s skyline, the Cascade Mountains, and the Willamette River from its downtown location. 

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is the home of the University of Missouri, featuring a beautiful campus with the Mizzou Botanic Garden and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. Follow the self-guided African American Heritage Trail, stop at a local farmers market , or visit one of Columbia’s parks as you get to know the city. From June 24-July 15, the annual MOSY Firefly Music Festival brings in top symphony conductors from across the U.S. “Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Columbia’s vibrant art and music scene,” according to Jared Klarfeld, regional director of sales for The Broadway Columbia. “Whether you choose to bike or hike the historic Katy Trail or simply pull over by the tranquil Missouri River to enjoy live music at Cooper’s Landing, the possibilities are endless.” 

Where to Stay: The Broadway Columbia , a DoubleTree by Hilton, is located downtown. Campsites, RV parks, and additional hotels are also available in Columbia.

ferrantraite/Getty Images

The Outer Banks (often abbreviated as "OBX") are barrier islands located between North Carolina’s coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches, state parks, lighthouses, museums, and historical sites provide plenty to see, and visitors can go fishing, kitesurfing, diving, boating, and hiking. The 46th Annual Wright Kite Festival is set for July 19-20, with 30- to 100-foot kites flying and on display. Guests can fly their own kites, take kite flying lessons, or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial , where there’s a kite-making station for kids. As you might expect, seafood is a highlight of an OBX vacation, but remember to try some famous North Carolina barbecue, too. Breweries, distilleries, and wine-tasting rooms can be found on the OBX Beer, Wine, & Spirits Trail .

Where to Stay: Edgecamp Pamlico Station , a 14-room boutique hotel designed by Jonathan Adler, opens in June with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. Sanderling Resort offers 123 rooms and suites, along with five vacation homes, two pools, and a spa. 

Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

Whether your ideal summer vacation involves a cabin by a lake, a mountainside lodge, or a quaint town, New Hampshire has what you want. The Lakes Region , home to more than 270 bodies of water, includes Lake Winnipesaukee, where visitors can cruise around and lounge on the shore. The White Mountains offer lakes, rivers, and Franconia Notch State Park . The Great North Woods area welcomes visitors to the wilderness for fly fishing, hiking, and camping at Umbagog Lake State Park . Fitzwilliam, a quintessential New England village in the state’s southwest area, features historic homes, country roads, blueberry picking, and the largest rhododendron grove in northern New England. “When the plants in Rhododendron State Park burst open, you’re walking through blooms the size of your face in delicate whites and pinks,” says Caroline Tremblay, owner and founder of local blog The Monadnocker . “The trail is sweet, soft, and piney with little pass-throughs, a wooden bridge, and streams to cross over.”

Where to Stay: The Chase House Inn is a historic inn overlooking Meredith Bay. The Inn at East Hill Farm is a working farm minutes from Rhododendron State Park. In the White Mountains, there’s the historic Omni Bretton Arms Inn . 

SeanXu/Getty Images

There’s plenty to do when the snow melts and the temperature in Colorado’s mountains reaches the high 70s. Visitors can soak in the views from Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola and the Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass. For foodies, Aspen’s Saturday market features local produce, and The Little Nell Culinary Fest (July 7-10) highlights dining experiences by esteemed Relais & Châteaux chefs. Nearby in Snowmass, the Snowmass Rodeo marks its 50th anniversary with a new arena and events every Wednesday from June 19 until Aug. 23. Snowmass tourism director Julia Theisen says, “Snowmass is an adventure traveler’s haven, welcoming visitors to a cool summer escape among more than 2.8 million acres of wilderness,” pointing out that it's also one of the world's best mountain biking destinations.

Where to Stay: In Aspen, The Little Nell , a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers five-star luxury, refined dining, and an extensive wine collection, and Hotel Jerome , Auberge Resorts Collection, is a historic landmark with modern amenities. Mollie Aspen is a new 68-room boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, terrace, and lounge. In Snowmass, stay at Viceroy Snowmass , with residential suites and a three-bedroom penthouse.

aimintang/Getty Images

With opulent Gilded Age mansions and beautiful beaches, Newport is a lovely summer destination. Visitors and residents alike stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, bike along Ocean Drive, browse farmers markets, and picnic on the beach. Every Saturday throughout the summer, visitors can watch exciting polo matches with competitors from around the world, and tennis fans will want to catch the annual International Hall of Fame Open from July 14-21. The Newport Classical Music Festival is set for July 4-21. “July is truly the perfect time to visit and explore Newport,” according to Rafael Pazzini, general manager at The Vanderbilt. “For a quintessential Newport day, I would recommend experiencing the historic mansions and enjoying fresh seafood at one of Newport’s many waterfront restaurants.”

Where to Stay: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection , an elegant 33-room luxury resort located in downtown Newport, offers a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. Opened in 2023, Gardiner House , a 21-room boutique waterfront hotel, features views of Newport Harbor.

 Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images

Historic sites, wineries, farms, and miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, Rappahannock River, Potomac River, and the Atlantic Ocean make eastern Virginia a perfect summer destination. Westmoreland State Park , listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers hiking, fishing, birdwatching, camping, and boat rentals. Fresh seafood including Chesapeake Bay blue crabs is reason enough to visit the area, and you can find the perfect crisp white or summery rosé at a winery along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail . The charming town of Irvington celebrates Independence Day with a hometown parade, decorated bicycles and golf carts, antique cars, and a local band. Visitors can also enjoy the area’s boutiques, art galleries, and museums.

Where To Stay: In Irvington, The Tides Inn is located on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay with a waterfront setting that includes a beach and stunning views. 

Summer is festival season in Montréal . The Montréal Jazz Festival (June 27-July 6) is a popular event among music lovers, and the International Circus Arts Festival (July 4-14) brings talented circus performers to Montréal’s streets and parks for fun throughout the city. In nearby Québec City , the annual Festival d’été de Québec (July 4-14) features an exciting program of top artists. Food is an attraction, and outdoor markets, food halls, brasseries, and food trucks serve local and international specialties; don't miss the city’s famous bagels. Getting there can be part of the fun on Amtrak’s Adirondack Train from New York City, a relaxing and scenic 10-hour trip. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Nelligan was named the top city hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers in 2023. The 105-room boutique hotel has a seasonal rooftop lounge that will open in time for summer.

Avatarmin/Getty Images

Wildlife viewing is at its best — and most comfortable — during the cooler dry season, which begins in June and lasts until around September. It’s also when you'll have the best chance of seeing the great wildebeest migration, when huge herds of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest travel through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Most Tanzania safaris include the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where an abundant wildlife population lives year-round and Maasai people continue their practice of livestock grazing.

Where to Stay: Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection is set within the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area with views of the crater. Intrepid Travel and Extraordinary Journeys offer a variety of Tanzania safaris and excursions.

SCStock/Getty Images

One of the “ABC” islands along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. July weather is hot and breezy with temperatures reaching the mid-80s, so the seas are warm and ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Because of its southerly location, Curaçao is outside the hurricane zone, which is sometimes a concern in the Caribbean during summer and early fall. Beaches are the main attraction here, but the island also features incredible sightseeing in its cities and towns. Willemstad’s Dutch colonial buildings — including Handelskade, a rainbow of waterfront buildings — museums, street art, restaurants, and nightclubs make a visit worthwhile. Hike or take a Jeep tour to the top of Christoffel Mountain for a panoramic view of the island.

Where to Stay: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is set on six waterfront acres near Willemstad. Sandals Royal Curaçao is an adults-only all-inclusive resort ideal for a romantic getaway. 

Located on Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, the Costa Brava region is an enchanting year-round destination. Beautiful beaches, quaint villages, picturesque mountains, and fascinating archaeological sites provide much to see and do during the popular summer season. Longtime resident Salvador Dalí converted a former theater in Figueres into one of his best museums, the Dalí Theater Museum . In July, beaches are the main draw, along with music festivals and the annual menú de gamba , the "prawn menu" celebrating the local catch in Palamós. Castell Beach, one of the most beautiful on the Costa Brava, is located in Palamós near the remains of an ancient Iberian village dating to the 6th century B.C.E.

Where to Stay: The new Zel Costa Brava features 214 guest rooms, a pool, tennis, on-site dining, and Mediterranean views. The lifestyle hotel brand was created by Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels. 

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It’s midwinter down under, but in Queensland (in Australia's northeast corner), the weather is warm and dry. It’s an ideal time for diving at the Great Barrier Reef, with clear seas and temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. Humpback whales are arriving on their migration from the north, and they can be seen until around September. Heading south from Cairns to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, visitors will find beaches, theme parks, and slightly cooler weather, perfect for hiking in Lamington National Park among waterfalls, ancient trees, and a tropical rainforest. Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, is a stunning city with restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and lots of entertainment. For an aviation-themed experience, the “Luminescent Longreach” at the Qantas Founders Museum celebrates Qantas Airways with a world-class light and sound show in the Queensland Outback. 

Where to Stay : Shangri-la The Marina, Cairns is steps from the Reef Fleet Terminal, where you'll find daily departures to the Great Barrier Reef. To the south, Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Center is located at North Quay near some of the city's top attractions.  

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If you love lively, festive atmospheres — and don't mind crowds — you might want to visit Paris , where the Olympics will take place from July 26-Aug. 11. Earlier in the month, Bastille Day (July 14) is a national holiday, celebrated with a military parade, free concerts, and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. Summer is a lovely time for a boat ride on the Seine, and if there’s a rain shower, duck into the Galeries Lafayette or visit one of the city’s many wonderful museums. When you want to escape the crowds for a few days, take a day trip from Paris to a nearby palace or village, and return to the city refreshed and ready to explore.

Where to Stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée , Shangri-La Paris , and the famed Ritz Paris are five-star luxury options that were voted among the top hotels in Paris by our readers in 2023.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

From Vienna’s palaces, cathedrals, and coffee houses to Salzburg’s music history and breathtaking alpine scenery, Austria is a marvelous destination for all kinds of travelers. In Vienna, warm summer weather brings visitors to parks, concerts, festivals, beer gardens, and cafés. The Salzburg Summer Festival (July 19-Aug. 31) presents concerts, theater, and opera in a variety of venues. The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music (July 21-Aug. 30) celebrates the musical history of this city in the Austrian Alps. 

Where to Stay: Opening July 1, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is set on Lake Fuschl amid the Austrian Alps. The Almanac Palais Vienna is a new boutique hotel located in the heart of Vienna, and the luxe Rosewood Vienna is housed in a historic building in the city's Old Town.  

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Seven GOP lawmakers make a misguided trip to Russia

On Tuesday afternoon, the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Intelligence Committee issued some important findings, concluding that the U.S. intelligence community was correct in its assessment: Russia attacked the U.S. elections in 2016 and did so in the hopes of putting Donald Trump in the White House.

It was right around this time that seven Republican members of Congress -- six senators and one House member -- were in Moscow. Making matters much worse, however, is what the GOP lawmakers had to say while they were there. The Washington Post  reported :

Republican members of Congress sounded a newly conciliatory tone in meetings with Russian lawmakers and officials here on Tuesday in a rare visit to Moscow and a preview of the looming summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) told Russia's foreign minister that while Russia and the United States were competitors, "we don't necessarily need to be adversaries." ... "I'm not here today to accuse Russia of this or that or so forth," Shelby told Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.

In addition to Shelby, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and has limited foreign policy responsibilities, the official congressional delegation featured Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), and Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas).

On the surface, official foreign visits like these -- known as "codels" (for "congressional delegations") -- are as routine as they beneficial. I've seen some suggestions that members shouldn't be abroad during the 4th of July, but that doesn't matter much to me. Lawmakers are out this week for the holiday, so it stands to reason that they'll schedule international travel at a time when they won't miss votes on Capitol Hill.

What's far more alarming are the specific details of this particular trip.

At issue is seven Republicans traveling to an adversary's capital less than two years after it launched an attack on our sovereignty. Did the Americans make the trip to take a firm stand against our attackers? Hardly. They had no interest in confronting Russian officials over their election interference, preferring instead to let bygones be bygones.

There was no reason for the delegation to be partisan, but it was. There was no reason for these Republicans to give the Kremlin a pass on its misdeeds, but they did. There was no reason for the GOP lawmakers to downplay the significance of election meddling and the fate of Crimea in their discussions, but based on multiple accounts, they did that, too*. [ corrected: see below ]

Duma member Vyacheslav Nikonov said on Tuesday that he's met with many American lawmakers before, but this week's meeting " was one of the easiest ones in my life ."

If the Republicans who were in Moscow consider this a compliment, they're badly missing the point.

As the 2018 midterm elections approach, there are widespread concerns among U.S. officials about Putin's government launching another intelligence operation against our political system. The more Russia thinks it can get away with these attacks, the more emboldened it will be to launch them.

And yet, there was Alabama's Richard Shelby, traveling to Moscow and signaling weakness, reluctant to make accusations about "this or that or so forth."

In the recent past, Republicans saw Russia as an adversary, convinced of the need to show strength. That was before it became Donald Trump's party.

* Correction : I'd originally noted in this post that election meddling and Crimea were excluded from the delegation's talks with Russians, which was incorrect. I meant to say the importance of the issues was downplayed, and the above text has been corrected accordingly.

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July? What to know about the holiday and its origins

Everything to know about july fourth, including the origin of the holiday, why we celebrate it, and how fireworks became part of the tradition, by the associated press and nbc chicago staff • published july 4, 2024 • updated on july 4, 2024 at 10:33 am.

The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks.

Those pyrotechnics also make it an especially dangerous holiday, typically resulting in more than 10,000 trips to the emergency room. Yet fireworks remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making.

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Here are five things to know about July Fourth, including the origin of the holiday, why we celebrate it and how fireworks became part of the tradition.

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What's the origin of independence day.

The holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

One year later, according to the Library of Congress, a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marked the anniversary of American independence.

But across the burgeoning nation, observations didn’t become commonplace until after the War of 1812. It quickly took off: The Library of Congress notes that major historic events in the 19th century, such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities.

How did fireworks become a part of the Fourth of July tradition?

The display of pyrotechnics has been a big part of Independence Day from the outset. Founding Father John Adams saw it coming.

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Commemoration of America’s independence “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 3, 1776.

Fireworks were around centuries before America became a nation. The American Pyrotechnics Association says many historians believe fireworks were first developed in the second century B.C. in ancient China by throwing bamboo stalks into fires, causing explosions as the hollow air pockets overheated.

By the 15th century, fireworks were widely used for religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe and early U.S. settlers carried on those traditions, the association said.

Has a president ever refused to celebrate?

Presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden have celebrated the nation’s birth on the Fourth of July, with one exception: Adams.

His letter to his wife aside, Adams refused to celebrate the holiday on July 4 because he felt July 2 was the real Independence Day. Why? It was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution for independence, though the Declaration of Independence wasn’t formally adopted until two days later.

Adams was so adamant that he turned down invitations to festivals and other events, even while serving as the nation’s second president. Ironically, Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, both died on the 50th anniversary of the document’s formal adoption, July 4, 1826.

Are fireworks legal in Illinois?

Illinois is one of three states that ban some or all consumer fireworks , though they can be purchased in bordering states like Indiana and Iowa. Under the Pyrotechnic Use Act, which was signed in 1942, the purchase, sale and possession of "consumer fireworks" are prohibited statewide.

However, Illinois residents can legally possess the following items under state law, which are considered "novelty effects" and not "consumer fireworks."

• Smoke devices
• Snake or glow worm pellets
• trick noisemakers known as "party poppers," booby traps," "snappers," "trick matches," "cigarette loads" and "auto burglar alarms"
• Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains (16 mg) or less of explosive compound are used, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion
• Toy pistol paper or plastic caps that contain less than twenty hundredths grains (13 mg) of explosive mixture

It's important to check your local laws regarding novelty effects. Each municipality can implement an ordinance banning such items, so you'll want to see what the situation is in your community before purchasing. For example, in the city of Chicago, all fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal.

A full list of what kinds of fireworks are legal in Illinois can be found here .

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Going somewhere? MTA, NJ Transit changes to know for July 4

Here's how the mta and nj transit plan to operate service on the fourth of july, by nbc new york staff • published july 2, 2024 • updated on july 2, 2024 at 11:10 am.

Millions of Americans are expected to get out of town sometime this week -- and they're advised to expect heavy delays regardless of most modes of transit they take.  

That has made the mass transit option a popular one for July 4.

Here's how the MTA and NJ Transit plan to operate service over the holiday:

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New York City Transit (NYCT) will run on a Saturday schedule and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad will run on a Sunday schedule.

NYC Subway and Staten Island Railway

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On Thursday, July 4, NYC subways and the Staten Island Railway will operate on a Saturday schedule.

• Full-length trains will operate on the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S) ​to accommodate increased ridership to the beach
• Between about 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Rockaway Park Shuttle S​ trains will extend service to operate between Rockaway Blvd and Rockaway Park, stopping at Aqueduct, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Howard Beach – JFK Airport stations.
• To accommodate increased ridership to the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display, service will be bolstered on the 7​,L ​ and the 42 St Shuttle S​ in the evening.
• Select additional ​A and F​ trains are planned to operate at the conclusion of the fireworks.

There are planned subway service changes to accommodate signal modernization projects and scheduled maintenance work. People are advised to check the MTA app or here for real-time service updates and alternatives.

On Thursday, July 4, New York City buses will run on a Saturday schedule. Customers should expect delays on all routes near the Hudson River on the evening of July 4 due to the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display. 

Long Island Rail Road

On Thursday, July 4, the LIRR will operate on a Sunday schedule, with off-peak fares in effect all day. 

Metro-North Railroad

Metro-North will operate getaway trains during the afternoon on Wednesday, July 3, for customers looking to get a head start on the holiday weekend.

On July 4 the railroad will operate on a Sunday schedule with off-peak fares in effect all day. Metro-North will add one extra New Haven Line train to its schedule, departing Grand Central Terminal at 11:13 p.m., to accommodate people who plan to attend the Macy’s Fireworks. The express train will make stops at Harlem 125th Street, express to Westport, Fairfield, Fairfield Black-Rock, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, West Haven, and New Haven.

Wednesday, July 3: 

NJ TRANSIT is offering expanded service for those looking to get out of town early. On Wednesday, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., extra outbound trains will operate from Penn Station New York, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal. Certain trains departing these terminals between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. will be canceled. Visit njtransit.com for more.

Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on more than two dozen bus routes starting around noon. Otherwise, rail, bus and light rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

More Fourth of July

Fireworks, festivals and fun: Fourth of July celebrations across the tri-state

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks back on the Hudson River: where to watch with the best views

Independence Day, Thursday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, with additional Hoboken-bound trains on the Morristown, Montclair-Boonton and Port Jervis lines for those traveling to the fireworks on the Hudson River during the late afternoon and early evening hours.  Following the fireworks, Trains 81 (Bergen County and Port Jervis Lines) and Train 2129 (Pascack Valley Line) will be held to depart Hoboken after 10 p.m. while other trains from Hoboken make additional stops on the Main and Port Jervis Lines. There will also be additional trains leaving Hoboken on the Morristown and Montclair-Boonton Lines after 10 p.m. See njtransit.com for details.

Northern and Central New Jersey bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Southern New Jersey bus routes will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information . NOTE: buses may be subject to detours and service delays for 4 th of July events and parades through various towns. See njtransit.com for details.

Light Rail:

Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

River LINE will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule. Routes will terminate prior to Exchange Place due to the Jersey City Fireworks and Festivities.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4, HBLR will adjust the routes which normally travel through and serve Exchange Place by terminating one stop prior to the Exchange Place station.  Service from Tonnelle Ave. and Hoboken will terminate at Harborside. Service from West Side Ave. and 8 th St. will terminate at Essex St.

NORTHBOUND:

• All northbound service from 8 th Street or West Side Ave. will terminate at Essex Street and will operate every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Service will operate every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.

SOUTHBOUND:

• Southbound service from Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken will terminate at Harborside and will operate every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Shuttle service between Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken will operate from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. 

If you're traveling to from Hoboken or Newport to Exchange Place, you're advised to use the PATH.

Normal HBLR service will resume when the New Jersey Transit Police Department determines it is safe to reopen Exchange Place to light rail traffic, which is anticipated to be around 11 p.m. 

Customers who don’t plan to attend the festival are strongly advised not to travel toward Exchange Place as they will experience significant vehicle and pedestrian congestion.  Customers are strongly encouraged to buy roundtrip tickets from ticket vending machines in advance of the fireworks event. 

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What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions

Here are five things to know about July Fourth, including the origin of the holiday and how fireworks became part of the tradition.

By Jim Salter • Published July 2, 2023 • Updated on July 2, 2023 at 5:19 am

The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks.

Those pyrotechnics also make it an especially dangerous holiday, typically resulting in more than 10,000 trips to the emergency room. Yet fireworks remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making.

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The holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress' unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain.

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One year later, according to the Library of Congress, a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marked the anniversary of American independence.

But across the burgeoning nation, observations didn't become commonplace until after the War of 1812. It quickly took off: The Library of Congress notes that major historic events in the 19th century, such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities.

The display of pyrotechnics has been a big part of Independence Day from the outset. Founding Father John Adams saw it coming.

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Commemoration of America's independence “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 3, 1776.

Fireworks were around centuries before America became a nation. The American Pyrotechnics Association says many historians believe fireworks were first developed in the second century B.C. in ancient China by throwing bamboo stalks into fires, causing explosions as the hollow air pockets overheated.

By the 15th century, fireworks were widely used for religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe and early U.S. settlers carried on those traditions, the association said.

Presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden have celebrated the nation's birth on the Fourth of July, with one exception: Adams.

His letter to his wife aside, Adams refused to celebrate the holiday on July 4 because he felt July 2 was the real Independence Day. Why? It was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution for independence, though the Declaration of Independence wasn't formally adopted until two days later.

Adams was so adamant that he turned down invitations to festivals and other events, even while serving as the nation's second president. Ironically, Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, both died on the 50th anniversary of the document's formal adoption, July 4, 1826.

Consumer sales of fireworks have grown rapidly over the past two decades.

Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2022, that figure rose to $2.3 billion. The biggest jump came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public fireworks displays were shut down. Consumer sales jumped from $1 billion in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2020.

“People went to the fireworks store beginning Memorial Day weekend and they just didn't stop,” said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. “They were firing off fireworks all of 2020. It shocked the industry, to be quite honest with you.”

Sales are expected to rise another $100 million this year, the association said. It helps that the Fourth of July is on a Tuesday, creating essentially a four-day weekend.

Despite widespread education efforts, thousands of Americans are badly injured by fireworks each year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2022, 10,200 people were treated at emergency rooms and 11 deaths were blamed on fireworks. About three-quarters of injuries happened in the period around the Fourth of July.

About one-third of the injuries were to the head, face, ears or eyes. Finger, hand and leg injuries are common, too.

“I have seen people who have blown off fingers,” said Dr. Tiffany Osborn, an emergency room physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. “I've seen people who have lost eyes. I've seen people who have significant facial injuries.”

Children under 15 make up nearly one-third of those injured by fireworks. Sparklers often are blamed for burns to children under age 5. Osborn suggested giving small children glow sticks or colorful streamers instead.

For those planning to shoot off fireworks, Heckman urged finding a flat, hard, level surface away from structures and other things that could catch fire. The person responsible for the fireworks should avoid alcohol. Children should never ignite them.

Osborn encouraged having a bucket or hose nearby in case of fire or explosion. Shoot off one at a time and walk away quickly after igniting, she said, and never relight or handle a malfunctioned firework. When done, shovel up the remains and soak them before disposing.

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Why Did Sen Johnson Spend 4th of July in Moscow?

If you enjoyed time away from home/work/news last week, maybe you missed reports of  the Congressional Delegation that visited Russia over the Independence Day holiday . The visit by seven Senate Republicans and one Republican from the House of Representatives included Wisconsin’s Senior Senator Ron Johnson, who chairs the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

I have wondered for days why the trip happened, how that timing was set, what was discussed, and what (if anything) came from the visit with top Russian government officials. Having had no success getting comment from his office through Twitter, I was glad to find this interview he did with Byron York in the Washington Examiner where Johnson explains the content of the meeting.

According to his statements, the meetings focused primarily on claims of election meddling in 2016, claims which the Russians refuted by pointing to American expenditure on efforts to support democracy in Russia — election meddling by the US as they see it. Other topics included Russian occupation of Crimea and East Ukraine, US sanctions on Russia, and the tampering underway that could influence the 2018 midterm elections.

President Trump is scheduled for a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 16. Perhaps the visit was laying groundwork for that summit, but why be there on the 4th of July? Read the story, then tell me: do you still have questions about the purpose and outcomes of this trip, or are you satisfied with Sen Johonson’s explanation?

Email me at [email protected] with your reactions and questions.

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White House to Host July 4 ‘Independence From Virus' Bash

The white house is expressing growing certainty that july fourth will serve as a breakthrough moment in the nation’s recovery, by zeke miller • published june 15, 2021.

Cue the fireworks.

President Joe Biden wants to imbue Independence Day with new meaning this year by encouraging nationwide celebrations to mark the country’s effective return to normalcy after 16 months of coronavirus pandemic disruption.

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The White House is expressing growing certainty that July Fourth will serve as a breakthrough moment in the nation’s recovery. even though the U.S. is not expected to quite reach its goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated by the holiday.

As COVID-19 case rates and deaths drop to levels not seen since the first days of the outbreak, travel picks up and schools and businesses reopen, Biden is proclaiming “a summer of freedom” to celebrate Americans resuming their pre-pandemic lives.

The holiday will see the largest event yet of Biden’s presidency: He plans to host first responders, essential workers and military servicemembers and their families on the South Lawn for a cookout and to watch the fireworks over the National Mall. Well more than 1,000 guests are expected, officials said, with final arrangements still to be sorted out.

The plan shows the dramatic shift in thinking since Biden just three months ago cautiously held out hope that people might be able to hold small cookouts by the Fourth, an idea that seems quaint now given the swift pace of reopening.

“By July the 4th, there’s a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and a barbeque and celebrate Independence Day,” Biden had said as he marked the one-year anniversary of the pandemic on March 11. “That doesn’t mean large events with lots of people together, but it does mean small groups will be able to get together.”

For most Americans, that reopening target was hit last month, by Memorial Day weekend, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people and the accompanying relaxation in state and local virus restrictions.

Now, officials say July Fourth will serve as an unofficial kickoff to a new phase in the U.S. pandemic response. The federal government is looking to turn the page on the domestic public health crisis and focus on an economic and civic revival at home and marshaling support for vaccinations around the globe.

Across the country, the White House is hoping to see the similar Independence Day activities, after last year saw the mass cancellation of July Fourth festivities, according to two White House officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to outline the administration’s thinking.

“We welcome you to join us by hosting your own events to honor our freedom, salute those who have been serving on the frontlines, and celebrate our progress in fighting this pandemic,” the White House wrote in an email to state and local officials Tuesday. It asked them to share their plans to be highlighted later by the administration.

In Washington, the National Mall will host the traditional fireworks ceremony, the White house said.

“America is headed into a summer dramatically different from last year,” the administration wrote to officials. “A summer of freedom. A summer of joy. A summer of reunions and celebrations.”

The upbeat announcement contrasts with the drearier reality in Europe, where Biden is on an eight-day, three-country tour — not to mention much of the rest of the world where vaccines remain scarce.

Instead of having a mission accomplished moment, in Britain, one of the few countries that has a vaccination rate similar to the U.S., the government announced Monday it plans to further delay reopening for at least another month to try to get more people vaccinated. But cases there, unlike the U.S., are rising, and not all adults have been offered a vaccine yet, nor have children.

While in Europe, Biden and Group of Seven allies announced plans to provide 1 billion shots for poorer nations, half of them from the U.S., but aid groups said a far greater commitment is needed to defeat the virus around the globe.

Still, the U.S. vaccination campaign is far from over as rates slip. Fewer than 370,000 Americans are now getting their first dose on average each day, down from a high of nearly 2 million per day two months ago.

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White House officials acknowledged that there are still deep geographic disparities in vaccination and that the administration will continue to remind Americans that if they are not vaccinated they remain at risk of serious illness and death from the virus.

All American adults have been eligible for shots for two months, and the administration has mounted an aggressive “month of action” to try to drive up demand for doses, though that has done little to change the trend lines: Fewer Americans are interested in getting vaccinated.

Officials say the effects of the July 4 vaccination goal of 70% of Americans on driving down COVID-19 cases are already being felt even if the benchmark won't be attained. Some 166.5 million adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data. To reach his goal, Biden would need to vaccinate about 14 million more in less than three weeks.

“Regardless of where we are on July Fourth, we’re not shutting down shop,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last week. “On July 5th, we’re going to continue to press to vaccinate more people across the country.”

The Democratic president intends to use his remarks on July Fourth to highlight the administration's “wartime response,” with a vaccination campaign that helped bring cases and deaths down by about 90% from where they were before he took office on Jan. 20.

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TSA breaks record for most individuals screened on a single day, readies for record-breaking Independence Day weekend travel volumes

WASHINGTON — As airline passengers prepare to take to the skies this Independence Day holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for a sustained period of high passenger volumes. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27 through Monday, July 8, which is a 5.4% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes. On Sunday, June 23, TSA broke the record for most people screened on a single day, screening nearly 3 million (2.99 million) individuals . This summer’s record-breaking travel volumes reflect the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have in securing the nation’s transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to our country’s economic well-being.

TSA anticipates the peak travel day will be Friday, June 28, when the agency expects to screen more than 3 million individuals. TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred over the past month.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes.”

Airline passengers should be aware that security screening technologies may vary by airport. Although TSA follows strict standardized screening protocols, it is important for passengers to arrive early and listen to the guidance provided by Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

Below are some frequently asked questions that provide an overview of the TSA technologies and procedures individuals may encounter during screening process.

Do I need to show a boarding pass to the TSA officer?

All airline passengers must have their acceptable ID and boarding pass ready at the security checkpoint entrance.

Do I need to take off my shoes?

TSA requires individuals in standard screening lanes to remove their shoes during the screening process. However, individuals 12 and under or 75 and older are always permitted to keep their shoes on during the security screening process.

Passengers with TSA PreCheck may leave their shoes on unless they alarm during screening. Most airports have dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes during some peak hours. Some airports have blended lanes where passengers with TSA PreCheck are screened in standard lanes, but they will receive a card indicating they have TSA PreCheck to carry with them during screening, and will be screened as a TSA PreCheck passenger.

Can family members go through the TSA PreCheck lane with me?

Teenagers aged 13-17 may accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. This benefit is another reason to join the nearly 20 million people who have enrolled in TSA PreCheck. For customer flexibility, there are three TSA PreCheck enrollment providers from which passengers may choose: Telos, CLEAR and IDEMIA. For more information on any of the enrollment provider options and TSA PreCheck, visit www.tsa.gov/precheck .

Other advice from TSA

With more than 430 federalized, commercial airports nationwide, 685 security checkpoints and 2,412 security screening lanes, it may be challenging to know what to expect at any airport. Here are some additional tips to help ensure an efficient screening experience:

• Pack smart. Always start packing with a bag that is empty to ensure there are no prohibited items present during security screening. Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessible if they must be removed. Remember that all liquids must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if they are in your carry-on bag.
• Arrive at the airport two hours before scheduled boarding time. Allow ample time to park,  navigate to the terminal, check luggage with the airline if needed and proceed through the checkpoint. Most flights board 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Review guidelines for traveling with children. Airlines may request proof of age documentation during check-in for children 12 and under traveling unaccompanied. Proof of age documentation must also be provided for children two and under planning to sit on an adult passenger’s lap. A birth certificate is an acceptable proof of age.
• Get assistance prior to traveling. Do you have a question about an item and whether or not it is allowed through security screening? Download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature to determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage. You may also snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Passengers may text their question to TSA by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872). Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA  Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting  our TSA Cares passenger support line  at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• Double-check your luggage tags. Many bags look alike, so passengers should tag every piece of checked luggage with their name and address. We also recommended they include additional addresses inside each bag in the event the outside tag falls off. When retrieving checked luggage at baggage claim, it is important that individuals check the tags to ensure they have picked up the correct bag.
• Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Passengers may travel with a firearm , but it must be secured as the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.
• Do you have TSA PreCheck? Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your airline reservation. TSA PreCheck passengers do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes whereas as standard lanes are under 30 minutes. If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you may enroll via one of TSA’s authorized enrollment providers starting as low as $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting as low as $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information, and to begin your enrollment.
• Respect frontline aviation workers. Violence and unruly behavior in airports and onboard aircraft are not acceptable and will result in significant delays at security checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

• Index number: 000014453-2024-0057
• Dispatch date: 2024-08-30
• Publish organization: State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Exchange Reference number：
• Name： SAFE Releases Data on International Trade in Goods and Services of China in July 2024

In July 2024, the export and import of China ’ s international trade in goods and services totalled RMB 4235.2 billion, up 12 percent over the same time last year. Of this, the export of goods recorded RMB 2035.4 billion and the import recorded RMB 1603.9 billion, resulting in a surplus of RMB 431.6 billion. The export of services recorded RMB 228.8 billion and the import recorded RMB 367.1 billion, resulting in a deficit of RMB 138.2 billion. In terms of the major items, the export and import of travel, transport, other business services, telecommunications, computer and information services registered RMB 178.9 billion, RMB 165.4 billion, RMB 102.1 billion and RMB 64.8 billion respectively.

In the US dollar terms, in July 2024 , the export and import of China’s international trade in goods and services were USD 317.5 billion and USD 276.4 billion respectively, with a surplus of USD 41.1 billion.(End)

International Trade in Goods and Services of China

1. The international trade in goods and services in this table refers to the transactions between residents and non-residents, based on the same standard as that for BOP statement . The monthly data are preliminary and may be inconsistent with the quarterly data in the BOP statement.

2. The data on international trade in goods and services are prepared in USD, and the RMB data for the current month is derived by converting the USD data at the monthly average central parity rate of the RMB against the USD.

3. This table employs rounded-off numbers.

Definition of Indicators :

Goods and Services: refers to the trade in goods and services between residents and non-residents, which is based on the same standard as that for the BOP statement.

1. G oods: refers to transactions in goods whereby the economic ownership is transferred between the Chinese residents and non-residents. The credit side records export of goods, while the debit side records import of goods. The data of goods account are mainly from the customs statistics of imports and exports, but differ from the statistics of the customs mainly in the following aspects: first, the goods in the BOP statement only reflect the goods whose ownership has been transferred (e.g. goods under the trade modes such as general trade and processing trade with imported materials), while the goods whose ownership is not transferred (e.g. manufacturing services with supplied materials or with exported materials) are included in the statistics of trade in services instead of the statistics of trade in goods; second, as required by the BOP statistics, the goods imported and exported are valued on the FOB basis, but as required by the customs, the goods exported are valued on the FOB basis, whereas goods imported are on the CIF basis. Therefore, for the purpose of the BOP statistics, the international transport and insurance premiums are taken out from the value of imported goods and included in the trade in services; and third, the data on net export of goods in merchanting which are not included in the customs statistics are supplemented.

2. S ervices: includes manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others, maintenance and repair services n.i.e, transport, travel, construction, insurance and pension services, financial services, charges for the use of intellectual property, telecommunications, computer and information services, other business services, personal, cultural and recreational services, and government goods and services n.i.e. The credit side records services supplied, while the debit side records services received.

2.1 Manufacturing services on physical owned by others : processor only provides processing, assembly, packaging and other services and charges service fee from the owner, while the ownership of the goods is not transferred between the owner and the processor. The credit side records the manufacturing services supplied by the Chinese residents on physical inputs owned by non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.2 Maintenance and repair services: refer to the maintenance and repair services supplied by residents to non-residents or vice versa on goods and equipment (such as vessel, aircraft, and other transportation facility) owned by the receiving party. The credit side records the maintenance and repair services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.3 Transport: refers to the process of transporting people and goods from one place to another, and the relevant supporting and auxiliary services, as well as postal and delivery services. The credit side records the international transport, postal and delivery services supplied by residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.4 Travel: refers to goods consumed and services purchased by travelers in various economies as non-residents. The credit side records the goods and services provided by the Chinese residents to non-residents who have stayed in China for less than one year, as well as non-residents studying abroad and seeking medical treatment for indefinite period of stay. The debit side records the goods and services purchased by the Chinese residents when traveling, studying or seeking medical services abroad from non-residents.

2.5 Construction services: refer to the establishment, renovation, maintenance or expansion of fixed assets in the form of buildings, land improvement, roads, bridges and dams and other engineering buildings of engineering nature, relevant installation, assembly, painting, pipeline construction, demolition and project management,as well as site preparation, measurement and blasting and other special services. The credit side records the construction services provided by the Chinese residents outside the economic territory. The debit side records the construction services received by the Chinese residents in the Chinese economic territory from non-residents.

2.6 Insurance and pension services: refers to various insurance services and commission to agents related with insurance transaction. The credit side records the life insurance and annuity, non-lifeinsurance, reinsurance, standardized guarantee services and relevant supporting services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.7 Financial services: refer to financial intermediation and supporting services, excluding those covered by insurance and pension services. The credit side records the financial intermediation and supporting services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.8 Charges for the use of intellectual property: refer to licensed use of intangible, non-productive/non-financial assets and exclusive rights between residents and non-residents and the licensed use of existing original works or prototypes. The credit side records the intellectual property-related services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.9 Telecommunications, computer and information services: refer tocommunications services between residents and non-residents and transactions of services related to computer data and news, excluding commercial services delivered via telephone, computer and Internet. The credit side records the telecommunications, computer and information services supplied by residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.10 Other business services: refer to other types of services between residents and non-residents, including research and development services, professional and management consulting services, technical and trade-related services. The credit side records the other business services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.11 Personal, cultural and recreational services: refer to transactions of personal, cultural and recreational services between residents and non-residents, including audiovisual and related services (films, radio, television programs and music recordings) and other personal, cultural and recreational services (health, education, etc.). The credit side records the related services supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

2.12 Government goods and services n.i.e: refer to various goods and services provided and purchased by governments and international organizations not included in other categories of goods and services. The credit side records the goods and services not included elsewhere and supplied by the Chinese residents to non-residents, and vice versa for debit side.

The English translation may only be used as a reference. In case a different interpretation of the translated information contained in this website arises, the original Chinese shall prevail.

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