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6 Ways to Save Money This 4th of July Weekend

Paul Ausick

Published: June 30, 2016 9:52 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 6:12 am

Parades, cookouts, community picnics, rodeos, fireworks shows — all these are traditional ways that Americans celebrate Independence Day. Another popular thing to do on the Fourth of July is to get in the car and go for a drive. Maybe just a short drive to the nearest fireworks show or a longer trip to visit friends or family or just to get out and see more of the country we are lucky enough to live in.

According to AAA projections, some 43 million Americans will be traveling this weekend with the vast majority hitting the nation’s highways and buying gasoline at the lowest national average price in more than 10 years.

But Americans might be able to save even more on gasoline and on hotels, dining out, and special events with just a bit of planning.

And we’re here to help with a handful of tips of our own.

1. Remember that reported gasoline price levels are averages. That means there are some that are higher and — the ones you want — some that are lower. Prices can vary by as much as a dollar or more in a single metropolitan area and there are mobile apps from both AAA and GasBuddy that can help you find the lowest prices no matter where you are.
2. AAA also projects airfares to be 9% lower year over year, with the average price on one of the country’s top 40 routes at $207 for a roundtrip ticket. The travel association also noted that prices will range from an average of $185 for its 3-star rated hotels to $144 for those with 2-star ratings. Car rentals are expected average $75 a day, up 6% year over year. But these, too, are averages and many hotels, motels, and rental units may be offering some special deals. Many Las Vegas hotels, for example, are offering special pricing for the holiday weekend.
3. Many restaurants are offering deals good through the July Fourth weekend. Red Lobster, for example, is offering a $4 discount on dinner and a $3 discount on lunch and Chipotle Mexican Grill just announced a summer rewards program that can save you some money on your first visit.
4. Enjoying in free events like parades and fireworks displays can save a ton of cash and be plenty of fun to boot. Small towns across the country have local July Fourth celebrations, and two of our favorites — if you’re in the neighborhood — are Mammoth Lakes, California, and Livingston, Montana, both near two of the country’s most popular national parks (Yosemite and Yellowstone, respectively)
5. For those Americans not traveling further than the back deck, supermarkets and grocers will be offering plenty of promotions on traditional holiday foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and your favorite adult beverages. The local paper will certainly have coupons and there are a number of websites where you can find coupons as well.
6. And where they’re legal, fireworks can cap off a fine day of celebration. Both Mammoth Lakes and Livingston have free fireworks displays as do many other cities and towns, large and small, all across the United States. If you’re buying you own, you’re going to pay the asking price at a local, seasonal fireworks stand unless you can find a wholesaler willing to sell to you.