Planning an eclipse road trip? AAA shares travel advice, safety tips ahead of April 8th

Many people have had hotels booked or spots reserved for months, if not years, ahead of the April event. For those who waited until the last minute to travel to totality – it’s not too late, but you’re starting to cut it close.

The countdown is on for tens of millions of people across the U.S. who will be plunged into darkness during the total solar eclipse April 8th.

For those living in the path of totality from Texas to Maine, little, if any, travel will be needed to get the full experience.

For those living outside the path of totality, travel is necessary to see darkness in the middle of the day.

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Many people have had hotels booked or spots reserved for months, if not years, ahead of the April event.

For those who waited until the last minute to travel to totality – it’s not too late, but you’re starting to cut it close.

AAA recently released some helpful travel and safety tips if you’re planning on hitting the road for the total solar eclipse.

Let’s face it – driving will likely be your best option as flights to destinations in the path of totality are filling up fast or have already been sold out. Hotels and Airbnbs will be hard to come by.

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According to AAA, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin have been the most popular destinations that are in the path of totality, with Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo in New York also popular among those interested in witnessing the moment the Moon passes in front of the Sun.

In fact, AAA said Dallas is currently seeing six times more car reservations than this time last year.

You may want to decide to stay with friends or family if you’re traveling a far distance.

AAA booking data showed hotels in the most popular cities along the path of totality have risen by at least 48% more than this time last year.

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Tough travel to path of totality expected

AAA recommends deciding when to leave home for a trip to the path of totality in advance because traffic could be an absolute nightmare, depending on where you’re headed.

"Many travelers will make a long weekend out of the event," AAA said in a statement. "Saturday, April 6, is expected to be a busy travel day. Hertz reports a 3,000% increase over last year in advance bookings for eclipse path cities for that Saturday."

Many students will also be on spring break, so even more people are expected to pack roads and highways.

In other words – pack the patience and your approved eclipse viewing glasses.

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Stay safe on the road when traveling to see the total solar eclipse

You’re going to need to expect heavier-than-normal traffic, and you’re going to want to stay safe by following some of these safety tips provided by AAA:

  • Keep your vehicle headlights on.
  • Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
  • Don’t wear your eclipse viewing glasses while driving.
  • Don’t try to photograph or video record the eclipse while driving.
  • Don’t pull over on the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
  • Fully exit the roadway and park in a safe area far from traffic to view the eclipse.
  • Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes to the sky and not their surroundings during the total solar eclipse.