AAA’s Guide to the 2024 Eclipse: How to Catch the Celestial Event Until The Last Minute

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Eager to witness the 2024 eclipse? It’s not too late to plan your adventure. Explore top viewing spots and essential travel tips for a memorable celestial event.

While a significant number of eclipse chasers have had the date of April 8, 2024, circled on their calendars for quite some time, there are individuals who have only recently decided to witness this celestial event firsthand. If you’re among them, fear not, it’s still possible to join in.

First, choose your destination. Data from AAA indicates that Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio rank as the favorite spots within the eclipse’s path of totality, with Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo also being preferred choices for viewing. According to information from Hertz, a AAA car rental collaborator, Dallas is experiencing a surge in reservations, with numbers up to sixfold compared to the previous year.

Next, plan your travel and accommodation. If air travel proves too costly or is fully booked, consider driving as an alternative. AAA members can benefit from discounts at Hertz, which is preparing for the influx by increasing its workforce and strategically moving vehicles to areas anticipating high demand. To cut costs, think about staying with relatives or friends in the area. AAA’s data highlights that hotel prices in key locations are up by 48% over the same period last year. For a more comprehensive holiday experience, contact a AAA travel consultant or explore Trip Canvas for ideas.

Timing is crucial. The eclipse occurs on a Monday, so decide on your departure date accordingly. Many will extend the event into a long weekend. Saturday, April 6, is predicted to be a peak travel day, with Hertz noting a 3000% jump in early reservations for that day in cities along the eclipse path. Keep in mind that this period coincides with Spring Break, adding to the number of people on the move.

Prioritize safety. Anticipate more traffic than usual before and after the eclipse. Tips from AAA include:

• Keeping your car’s headlights on.
• Lowering the sun visor to shield your eyes from the sun.
• Avoiding the use of eclipse glasses while driving.
• Refraining from attempting to capture photos or videos of the eclipse while on the move.
• Not stopping on the side of the road, highway, or interstate to watch the eclipse.
• Leaving the roadway and parking in a safe spot away from traffic to enjoy the eclipse.
• Watching out for pedestrians who might be distracted by the eclipse.

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