AAA
Many eclipse enthusiasts have marked April 8, 2024 on their calendars for years, but some have now decided they want to experience this natural phenomenon firsthand. If this is you, it's not too late.
Decide which city you want to visit. According to AAA reservations data, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are the most popular cities along the Path of Perfection. Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo are also top destinations for viewing the eclipse. According to AAA rental car partner Hertz, there are currently six times as many reservations in Dallas as there were at the same time last year.
Think about how you will get there and where you will stay. If flights are too expensive or sold out, driving may be your best option. AAA members receive discounts at Hertz. Hertz increased staffing and relocated vehicles to high-demand areas ahead of the eclipse. To save money, stay with family or friends who live nearby. Hotels in the most popular cities along the total orbit are 48% more expensive during the eclipse weekend compared to the same time last year, according to AAA reservations data. Contact your AAA travel agent or visit Trip Canvas to plan your big vacation around eclipse travel.
Decide on the timing. The solar eclipse is on Monday, so decide on a departure date. Many travelers will take advantage of this event to spend a long weekend. Saturday, April 6th is expected to be a busy travel day. Hertz reports that advance reservations for the eclipse viewing city for Saturday have increased by 3,000 percent over last year. Keep in mind that it's also spring break for many families, so there will be more travelers on the move that weekend.
safety first. Traffic is expected to be heavier than usual around the time of the solar eclipse. AAA recommends the following:
• Keep your car's headlights on.
• Lower your sun visor to block your view of the sun.
• Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
• Do not attempt to take photos or videos of the solar eclipse while driving.
• Do not pull over to the side of a road, highway, or interstate to view the eclipse.
• To view the eclipse, pull out of your driveway and park in a safe location away from traffic.
• Watch out for pedestrians walking around staring at the sky.
