How You Can Avoid Traffic During Summer Vacation

1. Update your GPS – and consider local advice.

Not all GPS apps and devices are created equal. Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are the most popular, but the final choice is up to you. Whatever you decide, be sure your app is up-to-date.

If you plan to travel somewhere remote or to a new state with dips in coverage, check if your app has a “download map†option. You can use the Wi-Fi at home to pre-download the area you are traveling to so that your directions will continue to work even if you have no cell data coverage.

If you know someone who is from your destination, also consider asking for their advice on your directions. Locals always know what roads to avoid – even when your app doesn’t.

1. Pre-pay your toll pass.

Whether you use EZPass, NationalPass, or some other toll pass, make sure you load it up before your travels. Don’t shy away from using those express lanes, either – avoiding traffic is what they were made for!

If you’re renting a vehicle, bring your own pass (if allowed) or ask the rental company to add one to your rental for the easiest toll experience. Who carries spare change anymore anyway, right?

1. Avoid highways at peak times.

Peak times include rush hour and holiday traffic. The morning rush hour is generally from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. Evening rush hour is usually from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The highest-traffic travel dates include:

• The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving
• The days before Christmas and New Year
• The day before the Fourth of July
• The Friday before and the Monday after Labor Day
• Spring break in March/April
• June to August, generally, for summer vacation

1. For weekends and holidays, consider overnight travel.

If you’re planning a trip that falls on a holiday, be strategic in your departure plans. You may not be able to take off work before or after the holiday, but you can always opt to leave later in the evening to avoid the post-work traffic craze.

For example, if you’re traveling for Labor Day and can’t take off the Friday before, plan to leave late in the evening (after 8 PM) or at the crack of dawn on Saturday instead. You may need a nap before and coffee during your ride, but you’ll avoid the headache of sitting in bumper-to-bumper madness as a trade-off.

1. Reserve your airport rides in advance.

If you’ve scheduled a fun escape and need to catch a flight, your best bet is to avoid the airport traffic altogether by reserving your airport ride through Partners Limos. Reach out to us anytime before your departure date and let us handle the hassle of getting to and from the airport on time and stress-free. It’s our specialty!