Here are the best and worst times to travel for July 4

We’ve waited for it all year, and summer travel is here! People are checking out of work, kids are saying “check you later” to their teachers, and packing up their suitcases. No one’s setting alarms unless if it’s to catch the next train. Expedia reports that things are heating up for fellow travelers on the road and in the air. In fact, the week leading up to the Fourth of July is going to be busy and expensive. Prepare yourself!

Here’s some data to help. Usually, the Friday before July 4 makes for the highest ticket price of the summer. But this year, July 4 falls on a Thursday, which complicates things. Instead, it’s Wednesday the 3rd that’s going to be that wild travel day with a few too many people trying to do the same thing: turn it into an extra long weekend. Besides that, Saturday, June 29 is going to be zoo-ish: try departing on July 1 or 2 instead. And for the return, Sunday, July 7 is the busiest day, so plan for July 5 or 8 instead. And in order to get the best deal for airfare, Expedia recommends booking 21-60 days in advance, which means you will want to book by June 13. That’s…well, it’s tomorrow. Get on it!

If you’re looking to find a deal for your flight, the best deals for that long weekend (departing July 3 and returning July 7) are here, based on data collection on June 5. Prices may have changed, so check before booking:

Los Angeles to Austin, TX: $253 (25 percent lower than usual)

JFK to Miami: $307 (25 percent lower than usual)

Seattle to San Diego: $286 (30 percent lower than usual)

Chicago to Palm Beach: $258 (50 percent lower than usual)

Orlando to Newark: $192 (50 percent lower than usual)

Right now, for the timeframe June 29 to July 7, Expedia shows that the most popular flight destinations here in the U.S. are New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Orlando. The most domestic lodging searches (which you might think would match but don’t) are for Dallas and New Orleans. If you like being in the trending spots, that’s where to go. Or alternately, maybe you would actively avoid these busy cities.

A few final tips we hope will help: First, book a morning flight. It’s 50 percent less likely to be canceled than a flight that departs after 3pm. Get to the airport earlier than you think you need to: you might have to troll the parking lot to find a space for your car given the hordes of other people trying also to park, plus you’ll need more time to get through security. TSA recommends getting there two hours ahead of time for a domestic flight. If you can get away with minimal packing, avoid checking a bag and keep everything in your carry-on. You won’t have to go through that check-in line and can go straight through security so long as you have your boarding pass, and then on to your gate.

If you’re driving for the holiday as opposed to flying, start your trip on Wednesday morning and try not to drive on Sunday, July 7. Good luck, everyone, and be safe!