BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Plan the Perfect Fourth of July Weekend

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Fourth of July typically conjures up images of fireworks, hamburgers sizzling on the grill and homemade ice cream. But if you like to get out of town, you probably also think of traffic, overcrowded resorts and long lines. With a bit of extra planning, however, you can avoid some hassles and have a pleasant holiday.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sunglasses
Maps
Travel Guides
Insect Repellents
Sunburn Relief Medication
Sunscreen
Cameras
Film
Children's Bicycles

Step1

Start thinking (preferably in May or early June) about what you are looking for over the weekend. Is it a secluded wooded spot or a lake busy with water traffic? Either way, the earlier you decide, the better.

Step2

Buy a travel guide to the area you will be visiting and read it thoroughly.

Step3

Research the best restaurants, things to see and do, and recreational opportunities at your destination.

Step4

Plan ahead. Buy tickets, make hotel reservations, secure a camping or picnic site, or anything else you think you'll need, early on. Even if you're planning only a day trip, organize your schedule ahead of time to avoid glitches.

Step5

Make a list of all of the items you'll need for your weekend, including a map, sunscreen, sunglasses, travel guide, camera and film. Give yourself plenty of time to buy anything you may be missing.

Step6

Consider toting along your own bike, Rollerblades or any other equipment to save rental fees.

Step7

Pack your suitcase or backpack a few days before you leave in case you need extra time to purchase any last-minute items.

Step8

Try to leave for your weekend destination as early as you can to avoid traffic. If possible, set out the night before.

Step9

Time your return home as early as possible, too, to avoid the holiday weekend traffic crunch.

Tips & Warnings

On holiday weekends, the worst traffic is generally on Friday night and Sunday night, or Monday night, if it's a three-day weekend.
Ask friends for their weekend getaway recommendations.
Take your own fireworks if they're legal in the area you'll be visiting.
When you leave, be sure any pets left at home are secure - they could be frightened by fireworks.
Be sure to have a neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail if you are away for more than a day or so.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 With the 4th of July quickly approaching, millions of Americans will opt to have a pool party right in their own backyard. They will meticulously plan the food, purchase their favorite beverages, and select their favorite music. But, what happens when everything is in place: the grill is heating up and the drinks are chilled, and your pool is cloudy? BioGuard's Pool Pods to the rescue! A must-have for every backyard reveler, Pool Pods are BioGuard's newest and most convenient way to clean and sanitize your pool in just minutes! Your party is saved in one easy step and your backyard is now the perfect setting for your 4th of July bash.

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Clean, Sanitize and Shock Your Pool in One Step: Pool Pods technology uses a dual layer tablet, combining steps 1 & 2 of the BioGuard 3-step program to create sparkling clean water that effectively eliminates contaminants and kills bacteria. Pool Pods also contains Sunshield, which protects chlorine from sunlight and allows for long-lasting sanitizing which means less chlorine for your pool. Pool Pods are available in three convenient sizes 25 lb. and 40 lb. pails as well as a 6 x 4 lb. trial size. Pool Pods are available at all participating BioGuard dealerships.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 A barbecue, some friends and a couple of cold drinks is the best way to say, "It's great to be American." Relax, sit back, and let the fireworks fly.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Sometimes it's relaxing to stay in town on busy holiday weekends. A lot of people will probably clear out of your city, and places might be less crowded than usual. A little R&R at home can be a terrific way to spend some time off.