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Railroads & Locomotives Tourist Railroad Profiles New Year’s Eve train rides you’ll remember

New Year’s Eve train rides you’ll remember

All you need to do is let go … and catch a train

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New Year’s Eve train rides

Themed train rides are a fun, slightly different way of experiencing train travel. There are endless opportunities for railroads to host events that are multigenerational, and thus, keep them growing in popularity. From holiday decor to murder mysteries to food-oriented trains, themed excursions offer a unique way for friends to gather or perhaps for couples to cozy up to one another. It’s the kind of night that one is sure to remember.

The following list offers you a novel way to celebrate the ending of a chaotic 2023, while welcoming in the hope associated with the new year.

A number of railroads host themed New Year’s Eve train rides for couples, friends, and families. Others offer their regular train/schedule, albeit with winter scenery. Each has something different to entice guests looking for a short adventure, whether it be day or night.

Let’s take a quick peek at a few themed trips on the horizon. Note: This list is not all inclusive.

1. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway New Year’s Eve Train & Fireworks Nelsonville, Ohio hvsry.org

Details: Ages 3 and up. Ride duration is roughly 2 hours. The train departs at 10:30 p.m. At midnight, the train will stop for a fireworks show. There are two different seating options available with different age guidelines: “Pizza & Pop” (open to all ages) and “Wine & Cheese” (21 and up). Children under 18 must be supervised. Reservations are required. You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board this train. Note: For this family-friendly event keep the ages of your party in mind when booking.

2. Royal Gorge Route Railroad New Year’s Eve Dinner Train Canyon City, Colorado royalgorgeroute.com

Details: There are lunch and dinner train options (12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.). Ride duration is 3 hours. Food and drinks are available. The first-class dinner menu — which includes a free glass of sparkling wine and multiple courses — is offered on the 7 p.m. train only (must be 21 or older). When purchasing tickets, there are coach, deluxe, or vista dome options for seating. Passengers must arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to collect tickets and board. Couples may be seated with another couple, as tables accommodate four people.

3. Nickel Plate Express New Year’s Eve Masquerade Express Noblesville, Indiana nickelplateexpress.com

Details: It’s a masquerade party aboard a historic 1956 Santa Fe El Capitan train. It doesn’t get much more fun than this. Departing from Hobbs Station at 8 p.m., this ride is a 45-minute journey to Atlanta, Ind. There, you’ll enjoy an evening of classical music, delectable appetizers, and champagne. After midnight and the toast to new beginnings, you’ll return to the station. Two seating options are available: Diamond ( Duke dining car) and Platinum ( Reporter lounge). This is a one-of-a-kind experience (only offered this year). Themes will vary in years to follow.

4. Napa Valley Wine Train Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration Napa, California winetrain.com

Details: The first of its kind, the “Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration” is being offered by the Napa Valley Wine Train this New Year’s only. On a 2-hour tour through Grgich Hills Estate passengers will enjoy: dancing aboard the open-air car, a three-course breakfast and lunch, a glass of sparkling wine, and a winery party with small bites. Itinerary available online. Event begins at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Note: The toast is at 3 p.m. to coincide with the midnight celebration in France. Theme chosen in honor of Grgich Hills Estate founder and winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich who turned 100 this year!

5. Belmond British Pullman New Year’s Luxury Train Trip London, England luxurytraintickets.com

Details: This train offers the ultimate Black-tie event for you and your special someone. You are encouraged to dress to impress. On the British Pullman, you’ll be transported back into the 1920s Art Deco era as you enjoy a five-course dinner, champagne, a bottle of wine, and scenic journey through the British countryside. Table magicians will be entertaining guests throughout the evening. This is a round trip that departs London Victoria Station at 6:50 p.m. and returns at 12:30 a.m. Note: You might want to brush up on your table etiquette. This is a night where knowing your dinner fork from your salad fork may come in handy.

6. Tennessee Valley Railroad New Year’s Eve Dinner Train Chattanooga, Tennessee tvrail.com

Details: All ages are welcome. Duration of trip is 2 hours and includes a four-course dinner. You are encouraged to choose your entrée when ordering tickets. Two dining options are available, the vintage dining car (four guests per table) or the Pullman car Clover Colony (two per table). Departs Grand Junction Station at two times, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Note: This year is sold out. However, there is a Holiday Lights Train that runs at 5:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9 p.m. as well.

7. Roaring Camp Railroads New Year’s Holiday Lights Train Santa Cruz, California roaringcamp.com

Details: Train departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a 1-hour journey that includes light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ as you pass through the streets of Santa Cruz. Tickets will be available soon for Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. Boardwalk locations may be available for food or beverages. However, no eating/drinking on the train. Adorned with thousands of holiday lights, these vintage cars are going to be wildly rolling through city streets, so stay tuned for tickets.

8. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train New Year’s Eve Excursion Bardstown, Kentucky kydinnertrain.com

Details: Bourbon and a “Best Dressed Contest,” is just the tip of the iceberg. This 3-hour round-trip excursion offers quite an array of experiences: live music, champagne toast at mock-midnight, four-course dinner, souvenir champagne flute, photo booth, and more. There are four 1940s vintage dining cars pulled by two R.J. Corman commemorative 50th anniversary locomotives — and 35 types of bourbon to choose from in the gift shop prior to boarding. Ages in 21 and up for this ride. Note: This event takes place on Dec. 30.

9. New York Transit Museum Holiday Nostalgia Train Manhattan, New York nytransitmuseum.org

Details: The “Holiday Nostalgia Train” R1/9s will be running between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 30. The route is between 2nd Avenue on the uptown F line platform and 145th on the downtown D line platform. This is an annual tradition. The train consists of eight cars from the 1930s that ran throughout the system — along lettered lines — until the late ‘70s. These rides serve as a visual reminder of NYC’s transit history. The Holiday Nostalgia rides are offered throughout December. Note: These are the cars that inspired the popular song “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This event takes place on Dec. 30.

10. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Cascade Canyon Winter Train Durango, Colorado durangotrain.com

Details: Through the San Juan Mountains we go! This 5.25-hour round trip is offered on New Year’s Eve. Departing from Durango Depot at 9:15 a.m. and returing at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available for presidential class, first class, deluxe class, and standard class. Children four and under are free, if they don’t need a seat. Views of the San Juan National Forest and Animas River can be observed from the inside of the heated coaches. Boxed lunches are available for order. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on the train. There is an hour layover in Cascade Canyon, which you can walk alongside the Animas River, have lunch, and take photos.

11. Skunk Train Christmas Tree Train Willits, California skunktrain.com

Details: Exploring the world’s largest living Christmas tree. Departure is at 10:30 a.m. at the Willits depot. This is a 2-hour trip through the redwood forest. No assigned seating on this trip, and your furry, four-legged friend is welcome for an additional $10.95. Infants under two ride free. A commemorative gift is included with the VIP package, along with advanced boarding and priority concessions. Nothing says holiday magic quite like a family-friendly adventure to Mr. Skunk’s Magical Workshop by the World’s Largest Christmas Tree.

Polar Express rides are also being offered on New Year’s Eve at several railroads throughout the U.S. These family-friendly shows/train rides are the same performances hosted on any other day/time.

Check out the “Holiday trains & Polar Express rides (2023)” article for more information on participating railroads/museums.

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Taking the train home for Christmas or New Year? Here’s when to travel by rail

Exclusive: rail engineering projects over the festive season are set to trigger widespread disruption for train travellers, from southern england to northern ireland, article bookmarked.

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Travellers will find rail journeys again disrupted in late December and early January as Network Rail closes lines and stations for engineering work .

The organisation says: “Work will take place from Sunday 24 December 2023 to Tuesday 2 January 2024. The vital improvements and routine maintenance around Britain will give you a better and more reliable railway for the long term.”

In addition, work by HS2 will close the Great Western main line from 24 to 27 December.

“Most of the railway will stay open for business as usual,” Network Rail says.

These are the key rail engineering works over the festive season and the last dates before Christmas you need to travel on to ensure you make it home for the holidays by train.

LNER/East Coast main line

Travel to/from London no later than 23 December if you want to be home by Christmas. The East Coast main line, connecting London King’s Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, will be closed at its southern terminus on 24 December.

No trains will run to or from King’s Cross on Christmas Eve. LNER trains will start from or terminate at Peterborough or St Neots. The latter will be served by a bus link to Bedford, for onward travel to London on Thameslink. Hull Trains will be diverted to start/terminate at London St Pancras International.

Greater Anglia (London-Essex-Suffolk-Norfolk)

Travel before mid-evening on Christmas Eve, as all trains will end by 10pm – except on the Stansted Express. The last train leaves the Essex airport at 11.59pm, making it the latest departure anywhere in the UK.

Passengers on the line from London to Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich have become wearily accustomed to festive closures, and 2023 is no exception. Work will take place between Shenfield and Witham in Essex, blocking the route from 27 December-1 January.

The Stansted Airport-Cambridge link is also closed 27 December-1 January

Southeastern (London-Kent)

Travel from London Victoria no later than 22 December. From 23 December to 1 January inclusive, the hub in the capital will be closed, along with Brixton station. Trains will divert to and from Blackfriars, Cannon Street and Charing Cross.

Southern (London-Gatwick-Sussex coast)

Complete journeys by 9pm on Christmas Eve, when all services will cease.

South Western Railway (London-Southampton/Bournemouth/Portsmouth)

Travel on any journey that covers the Southampton Airport-Southampton-Bournemouth stretch by 23 December. From Christmas Eve South Western Railway – and CrossCountry passengers – will be hit by the closure from 24 to 29 December of the main Southampton Airport-Southampton-Bournemouth line. From 30 December to 1 January, attention switches to the London-Portsmouth line – which will be closed between Guildford and Petersfield.

Great Western Railway (London-South Wales/West of England)

Travel to/from London no later than 23 December. Work on the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common in west London will close the Great Western main line from 24 to 27 December. No Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will run between the capital and Cardiff, Bristol, the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall during the four-day spell.

Transport for Wales

Business as usual, with no significant rail engineering work planned – though no connections will be available to/from London at Newport, Cardiff and Swansea due to the Paddington station closure 24-27 December. No trains will run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Chiltern (London-Oxford/Birmingham)

Expect crowds on Christmas Eve and 27 December due to the Paddington station closure. The train operator says:“Services between London Marylebone and Oxford are expected to be busy as they will be the only direct services between London and Oxford”.

Avanti West Coast/West Coast main line

The main December disruption will take place in the run up to New Year from the evening of 30 December because of work between London Euston and Rugby, with a reduced service and slower journeys. New Year’s Day will be severely disrupted, with no trains between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby nor between Preston and Carlisle.

East Midlands Railway (London St Pancras-Leicester/Derby/Nottingham/Sheffield)

The key disruption is on 27 December, when the main line from is closed between Kettering and Leicester.

Northern (local services in the North of England)

The main disruption will take place 30 December-1 January, with the following lines closed:

• Manchester Victoria-Dewsbury-Leeds
• Manchester-Bolton
• Doncaster-Hull-Goole (30 and 31 December only)

TransPennine Express (intercity services in the North of England/southern Scotland)

Complete journeys involving York-Darlington early on Christmas Eve. All day on 24 December Leeds-York journeys will be diverted with extended journey times and some cancellations.

The main disruption will take place 30-31 December, with Manchester-Preston and Huddersfield-Leeds closed to TPE trains.

On New Year’s Day, the lines from Preston to Carlisle and onward to Edinburgh are closed.

Travel to/from Glasgow Queen Street no later than early evening on 24 December; the station closes at 8pm.

From then until 31 December there will be significant work on lines linking Glasgow Queen Street with Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen and Inverness. Journeys are likely to involve changes of train and extended times.

No ScotRail trains will run on New Year’s Day.

Northern Ireland

Work between Lagan Junction and Yorkgate Station in North Belfast will close lines from Christmas Day to 3 January, disrupting lines between the capital, Larne and Derry/Londonderry.

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Christmas Holidays 2024/2025

Christmas Train Holidays

Eat, drink and be merry as you discover Europe in a whole new light, seeing destinations transformed by Christmas magic. We've perfected the recipe for the dream festive escape; from sipping a glass of Prosecco on Christmas Day in Italy to taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through wintry Bavaria, join us and soak up the festivities in style.

Austrian Christmas & Italian New Year

13 days from £2,795PP

Enjoy the festive period in two of Europe's most spectacular settings on this truly memorable rail holiday. Innsbruck at Christmas is enchanting, and Lake Garda is the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic New Year.

Norwich & Norfolk at Christmas

6 days from £625PP

Explore the meandering waterways and heritage trains of Norfolk over the Christmas period. Discover this charming region from your base in Norwich.

First Class Glacier Express at Christmas

9 days from £2,495 per person

Discover striking wintry scenery, glamorous towns and cities, and unforgettable festive rail journeys - including a journey through the snow-capped Alps on the iconic Glacier Express.

Jungfrau Express All Inclusive at Christmas

7 days from £1,395PP

Discover the spectacular and remarkable beauty of the Swiss Alps at one of the most wonderful times of the year on this all inclusive rail adventure to the highest railway station in Europe.

Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at Christmas

7 days from £1,995 per person

Experience an unforgettable Christmas as you soak up the views from the highest train station in Europe, ascend the mighty Schilthorn, and enjoy a carriage ride through charming Grindelwald.

A Scottish Christmas

7 days from £1,175PP

Spend Christmas in Inverness, with hearty food, warming drinks, entertainment and festive cheer. Enjoy the proud cities of Edinburgh and Inverness and travel through the yuletide scenery on beautiful rail trips.

Yorkshire at Christmas

7 days from £795 per person

Enjoy all the Christmas cheer that Yorkshire has to offer based in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate. This festive holiday includes fantastic rail journeys, historic Ripley Castle, picturesque Fountains Abbey and the medieval city of York, adorned with seasonal decorations.

Highlights of Canada at Christmas

11 days from £2,995 per person

Celebrate the festive season with a fabulous, cross-continental journey through the Rockies on the iconic Canadian. Discover the sights, sounds and scents of Canada at Christmastime as we explore vibrant cities lit up with cheery lights, and enjoy a wonderfully festive Christmas lunch on the snow-capped Grouse Mountain.

Christmas is the perfect time to get away and take time out to relax, and we have a plenty of options for you to choose from! Enjoy traditional Scottish hospitality in Inverness, spend Christmas Eve on board the Fichtelbergbahn, or welcome in the New Year amidst the Alps on the Glacier Express.

Chocolate box villages blanketed with fresh snow, the twinkling fairy lights of traditional Christmas Markets, dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky, and impossibly beautiful railway journeys through enchanted icy landscapes; there is nothing quite like an escorted tour in the magical festive period. Join Rail Discoveries on a festive adventure this year and rediscover the nostalgic spirit of the festive season, as you delight in a Christmas or New Year like no other.

The welcoming twinkle of a traditional Christmas market, iconic trains steaming across pristine winter landscapes, sleigh rides through the snow, the taste of warming glühwein and sticky gingerbread, and New Year fireworks illuminating the night sky – there’s no denying the magic of the festive period. Make this year truly special when you embark on a festive rail holiday.

Iconic trains slowly winding their way through veritable winter wonderlands, charming horse-drawn carriage rides amidst soft flurries of falling snow, and warming mugs of spiced glühwein; there is no denying the captivating magic of the festive period. This year, celebrate the season in style on an unforgettable Christmas or New Year holiday. Take a look at our exciting festive departures below:

Step into Christmas with Us

Discover the magic of a festive holiday as the northern hemisphere’s transformed by the changing seasons. See familiar places in a whole different way or visit somewhere new and experience it at its shimmering best, blanketed in snow and lit up by twinkling lights. Leave the stress of the season at home this year and enjoy a Christmas that’s full of good cheer and excellent food.

FESTIVE ESCAPES ITALY & SWITZERLAND

From the calming waters of Lake Garda to a New Year spent across the border in Switzerland, travelling on the world-famous Jungfrau Railway, enjoy Europe at Christmas. Closer to home, savour the Christmas cheer of Yorkshire, home to the spa town of Harrogate and medieval city of York. Or why not celebrate in the heart of Stratford with two steam-hauled journeys.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 71 Million People Expected to Travel over July 4th Week

This year’s extended independence day forecast exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, sets new record.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 20, 2024) – AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period*. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4 th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4 th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”   

AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4 th week. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are the cities displaying the highest rental demand during the holiday week. The busiest pick-up days are projected to be Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 3.   

Gas prices are lower than last year when the national average was $3.53. Pump prices will likely continue going down leading up to Independence Day.  At that point, they will likely level off and remain relatively stable until after Labor Day, similar to last year.  An important caveat is hurricane season – underway now – which could affect gas prices should a storm negatively impact Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers.  

The number of air travelers is also expected to set a new record. AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4 th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.   

More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million. Cruising continues its remarkable post-pandemic comeback. This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – some cruise lines have been offering targeted discounts to fill older inventory for remaining cabins.  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 th are between 2pm and 7pm. Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8 th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon.  

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3 rd , as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “R oad trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.  

Source: INRIX  

  Top Destinations 

This July 4 th week, travelers are cooling off in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska – and by the ocean! Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage are top destinations because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Beaches in South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and Barcelona are in high demand. Historical sites in European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and Athens are also popular. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Family Road Trip Checklist    

With road trips expected to set a new record this July 4 th week, AAA teamed up with Chicco to share safety tips for families with young children.  

• Check car seat fit. Before you hit the road, check your child’s weight and height to ensure they’re in the right seat and mode of use – especially when it comes to transitioning from rear to forward-facing. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible for better protection of their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. If you are unsure which car seat is best for your child, Chicco offers a car seat comparison guide.    
• Double check car seat installation. Even if your car seat is already installed in the car, it’s worth checking everything is safe and secure. An easy at-home way to do this is with the “inch test.” Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start over until a secure fit is achieved. For any questions, utilize the car seat manual, QR codes, or online resources like those offered by Chicco.    
• Secure loose items in the car. Take time to organize and clean up your car before hitting the road. Storage organizers that secure to the back of the driver and passenger seats are simple solutions to make sure everything has a spot, especially loose items that can become projectiles in case of a sudden stop.  
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and flares. Make sure your phone is fully charged – and keep a charger in the car – to call AAA or request roadside assistance digitally if your battery dies, you lock yourself out, or you need a tow.   
• Map your route. Families with young children should plan for frequent and longer stops along the way. Map out your route ahead of time with AAA TripTik and browse hotels, restaurants, and other activities along the way on AAA Trip Canvas.  
• Bring entertainment. Make sure to place toys and books within reach to keep children entertained. If your kids use tablets or other electronics, make sure the devices are fully charged and pre-downloaded before leaving home. Another fun way to get the whole family excited for the road trip is to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite songs!   

Holiday Forecast Methodology   

Travel Forecast    

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of May 27, 2024.   

Because AAA forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.  

*Independence Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. Historically, the Independence Day holiday period included only one weekend. This is the first year the Independence Day holiday travel period is a longer timeframe with two weekends included.  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Railroads must provide details of hazardous cargo immediately after a derailment under new rule

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new federal rule finalized Monday aims to ensure first responders can find out what hazardous chemicals are on a train almost immediately after a derailment so they can respond appropriately.

Too often in past disasters like last year’s  fiery Norfolk Southern derailment  in  East Palestine, Ohio , firefighters risked their lives trying to extinguish a blaze without knowing the right way to respond. The local fire chief in charge of the response said it took him  45 minutes  to learn exactly what was in the 11 burning tank cars on the train, but some firefighters from neighboring departments that came to help said they didn’t know what they were dealing with until two hours after the Feb. 3, 2023, crash.

First responders  need to know  exactly which hazardous materials are on a train so they can look it up in the government’s official guidebook and make sure they have the right protective gear and firefighting tools, said Tristan Brown, deputy administrator of the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration agency that proposed the rule.

Knowing what chemical is involved and how much of it is aboard also affects how big of an evacuation zone might be required to protect the public.

“There are so many different types of hazardous materials being transported across the country on any given day — one in 10 goods that move across the United States — and each one, poses unique risks and hazards, certainly to the folks who are running towards a fire,” Brown said. “But certainly as well for anybody who may be living or working in that vicinity.”

The rule was published just one day ahead of the National Transportation Safety Board’s  final hearing  on the East Palestine derailment, where they will discuss exactly what caused that crash and recommend steps to prevent similar disasters.

Train crews have long carried lists of their cargo in the cabs of their locomotives, but in the middle of the chaos after a derailment those engineers and conductors, who might have moved their locomotives miles down the track, can’t always be found right away.

That’s part of why the largest freight railroads developed an app called AskRail roughly a decade ago that enables firefighters to quickly look up the details of what each train carries. But not every firefighter had the app, and cell phones don’t always have a signal strong enough to work in a disaster.

Regulators want the railroads to continue expanding access to that app, including to 911 centers, so information reaches first responders sooner. The railroads have been expanding access over the past year. The Association of American Railroads trade group estimates some 2.3 million first responders now have access to that information as a result of the effort to expand into dispatch centers.

The six biggest railroads also make train cargo information immediately available through the chemical industry’s hazardous materials hotlines in the U.S. and Canada known as the CHEMTREC and CANUTEC, emergency call centers.

Norfolk Southern said that in addition to AskRail it is working with a different program called RapidSOS that will allow the railroad to directly send information about its trains to first responders after a derailment — instead of forcing them to look up the details in AskRail. The railroad said its work fits well with the new rule.

But the new federal rule also applies to the hundreds of smaller railroads that aren’t involved in AskRail. Even railroads that only have one or two employees now must have a plan to get the crucial details of their cargo to the local fire department quickly, even if its as simple as having the fire chief’s cell phone number at the ready. Railroads also must test their plan at least once a year.

“In a hazmat incident, firefighters and first responders arriving on scene need to know what kind of hazardous materials are present so they can protect themselves and their communities,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

It’s not clear how this rule might have changed the outcome in East Palestine, but more information could have helped responding firefighters.

The derailment prompted a nationwide reckoning over  railroad safety  and prompted Congress to propose changes and regulators like Buttigieg to  urge railroads  to do more to prevent derailments.

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued various  advisories  about different aspects of  railroad operations , but the reforms in Congress  have stalled  because Republicans wanted to wait for the final NTSB report and regulators have had only  limited success  making changes.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

London Euston descends into chaos as trains grind to halt on hottest day of year

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Train passengers have been warned off severe disruption affecting London Euston station during peak rush hour.

Travel to and from London Euston train station has been hit by delays and cancellations on one of the hottest days of the year.

A points failure at Watford Junction has blocked the line used by trains between the Midlands and Manchester .

Trains through Euston may be cancelled, delayed by up to two hours or revised, National Rail warned.

Trains between London Euston and Wolverhampton, Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly and Edinburgh are affected, along with trains to between Birmingham New Street and Crewe.

Service between East Croydon and Watford Junction has also been hit.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Frustrated passengers took to X (formerly Twitter) after their trains were affected.

Some passengers claimed their Avanti West Coast train has been ‘stranded’ at Coventry station for more than an hour, with one saying it is ‘very hot conditions on board.’

The passenger asked Avanti: ‘Could you not at least pass water to everyone on board the train.’

Avanti’s customer service responded on X, saying teams ‘are working very hard to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.’

Latest London news

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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

⚠️ Trains to/from Euston are disrupted this evening due to a fault with our signalling system in Watford 🦺 Our engineers are on site & working to fix the issue 📲 Please check https://t.co/m0S5uRmTGP for the latest journey info 🙏 We’re really sorry to passengers affected — London Euston (@NetworkRailEUS) June 26, 2024

Footage from Euston shows the station packed full of commuters on a day the temperatures in London are set to hit 30C again after the record on Tuesday .

It comes as Tube travel has also been affected across London today.

You could be entitled to delay repay, so it is worth keeping hold of your ticket and making a note of the times to make a claim with the train provider.

Affected Euston trains

These lines have been affected, with disruption expected into the evening.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Wolverhampton / Crewe / Manchester Piccadilly / Edinburgh is affected.

Passengers can use tickets on the following services: Chiltern Railways between Birmingham Moor Street and London Marylebone, CrossCountry via any reasonable route, East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Sheffield, Northern via any reasonable route, TransPennine Express via any reasonable route, West Midlands Railway via any reasonable route.

London Northwestern Railway

London Northwestern Railway between London Euston and Tring / Milton Keynes Central / Birmingham New Street / Crewe if affected.

You can use your ticket on the following trains:

• Birmingham Moor Street – Leamington Spa – Banbury – Bicester – Aylesbury – London Marylebone.
• Birmingham New Street – Leamington Spa – Banbury – Oxford – Reading (to connect with Great Western Railway services to London Paddington).
• Birmingham – Nuneaton – Leicester (to connect with East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras International).
• Tamworth – Derby (to connect with East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras International
• Birmingham – Wolverhampton – Stafford – Stoke-on-Trent.
• Crewe – Stoke on Trent – Derby.
• Derby – Leicester – Kettering – Wellingborough – Bedford – Luton – London St Pancras International.
• Bedford – Bletchley, to connect with services to London St Pancras International.
• St Albans Abbey – Watford Junction, to connect with services to London St Pancras International.
• Worcester and Birmingham New Street
• Nuneaton – Coventry – Leamington Spa.
• Bedford – Luton – Luton Airport Parkway – St Albans – London St Pancras International.
• Watford Junction – London (Kensington Olympia) (if they are not affected by this disruption)
• London Euston and Watford Junction (if they are not affected by this disruption).

Have you been affected by the disruption? Please email [email protected].

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] . Or you can submit your videos and pictures here .

For more stories like this, check our  news page .

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here .

MORE : This £25 London tour is officially better than ‘life-changing’ bucket list attraction

MORE : I was attacked on the Tube – why did nobody come to help me?

MORE : London Travel updates: Bakerloo, Jubilee, DLR and London Overground hit by closures and severe delays

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Glastonbury 2024 – live: Person hit by train leads to major delays for travellers as temperatures climb

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Glastonbury 2024 welcomed fans with a spectacular drone and fireworks display that lit up the night sky during the first day of the festival.

Thousands more Glastonbury ticket-holders will arrive at Worthy Farm in Somerset today, as fears of a washout are alleviated by the latest Met Office report forecasting cloudy spells and “the odd spot of rain” before sun and isolated showers this afternoon.

The weather is expected to stay mostly dry through to Sunday, with temperatures hovering around 18C-21C.

Meanwhile, some fans could be hit by hours-long delays due to an “incident” that shut the tracks for GRW trains out of London.

Across the weekend, an eclectic lineup will perform on the sprawling festival’s various stages. You can view the full Glastonbury lineup and set times here.

Earlier this week, Glastonbury organisers confirmed they will not be showing England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 game during the festival.

If you’re following from home , the BBC has shared its schedule of coverage for the weekend .

Glastonbury 2024 key points

Fans face travel disruption after ‘incident’ in west Ealing

PICTURES: A proposal at Glastonbury

Posters encourage Glastonbury-goers to vote in the general election

Fireworks and drone display light up the sky over Worthy Farm

11:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Check out these photos of a spectacular drone and fireworks display at Glatonbury last night

Warning over GWR train delays out of London after incident shuts tracks

11:15 , Roisin O'Connor

Passengers heading out of London for Glastonbury Festival are facing delays after the trains were halted this morning.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said earlier that all lines were blocked at West Ealing, in the west of the capital, due to “the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway”.

That was affecting services to and from London Paddington, which is on the route serving Castle Cary in Somerset , the nearest station to Glastonbury Festival.

A spokesperson for the train operator confirmed to The Independent that lines have now reopened.

”Trains are now moving into and out of Paddington, including those serving Glastonbury festival, but there will be some residual delays due to misplaced trains and crew,” they added.

My brilliant colleague Ben Parker reports:

Warning over Glastonbury train delays out of London after incident shuts tracks

The Independent’s Glastonbury team report dark clouds and a spot of rain this morning

10:41 , Roisin O'Connor

Our intrepid team of reporters and critics are on site at Glastonbury Festival, with writer Adam White sending over a picture of some ominous-looking clouds looming over Worthy Farm.

“The rain has started!” he tells me, but is reassured as I point out the Met Office says it should* brighten up this afternoon.

Glastonbury Festival 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

10:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury organisers have unveiled the full set times across each of its stages for this year’s festival, revealing that rapper Little Simz will perform before Coldplay on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, while LCD Soundsystem will play ahead of Dua Lipa’s Friday slot.

The 2024 edition of the storied festival is taking place from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 June, and is being headlined by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, with Shania Twain in the Legends Slot.

Hundreds of other artists will perform across the week, with the set times allowing fans to work out whether they’ll have time to dash from one stage to another in order to see their favourites.

There are also a few spots reserved for surprise acts, including the “TBA” marked at 6pm on Saturday at the Woodsies stage. Previous surprise artists at Glastonbury have included The Killers, Radiohead and the Foo Fighters.

Here are the set times for the main stages across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Glastonbury 2024 lineup, set times and clashfinder for each stage

Glastonbury reveller sets up living room in middle of festival

10:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Warning to Glastonbury fans amid travel disruption

09:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Music fans travelling to Glastonbury Festival by train on Thursday could face disruption.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said all lines are blocked at West Ealing in west London due to “the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway”.

That is affecting services to and from London Paddington, which is on the route serving Castle Cary, the nearest station to Glastonbury Festival.

Passengers are being warned to expect disruption until midday.

GWR said earlier this month that it planned to provide more than 28,600 seats on trains from London Paddington to Castle Cary between Wednesday and Friday for festivalgoers.

It warned that early and mid-morning trains on Wednesday and Thursday were almost fully booked.

Press Association

Adorable young girl reveals she has a boyfriend during live Glastonbury interview

09:21 , Roisin O'Connor

PICTURES: Proposal at Glastonbury

09:01 , Roisin O'Connor

James Wilson successfully proposed to Maria Lawrence as they attended day one of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, Pilton on 26 June 2024.

Glastonbury posters encourage fans to vote in general election

08:39 , Roisin O'Connor

A number of posters have been spotted around Glastonbury urging fans to vote in the general election on 4 July.

Comment: Why do I feel like I am the only person in Britain who loves Coldplay?

08:01 , Tom Murray

When Glastonbury revealed Coldplay would headline the festival for a fifth time, the news was greeted with predictable groans from some quarters. It makes being a superfan feel very lonely, says Jonathan Margolis . But... are there signs that Coldplay have suddenly become cool?

Why do I sometimes feel like I am the only person in Britain who loves Coldplay?

Everything you need to know about Coldplay’s Glastonbury performance

07:00 , Tom Murray

Coldplay will round off Saturday night on the Pyramid Stage . They are scheduled to play from 9:45-11:45pm on 29 June.

Coldplay’s performance will clash with Disclosure on the Other Stage, Jessie Ware on the West Holts stage and Gossip on the Woodsies stage.

If you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets to Glastonbury (or you just hate camping) you can still watch Coldplay’s performance from home. The BBC will be covering the festival across TV channels, iPlayer, and BBC sounds.

Everything you need to know about Coldplay’s performance at Glastonbury

Video: Glastonbury reveller sets up living room in middle of festival

06:01 , Tom Murray

How much do drinks cost at Glastonbury?

05:02 , Tom Murray

Some festival-goers have been left outraged at the price of drinks at this year’s festival.

Pints of beer cost up to £7 while soft drinks and fruit juices cost up to £6. Aperol spritz cocktails are priced at £12.50 and bottles of Prosecco are selling at £43.

One person on Twitter/X wrote, “ £2.50 for a can of water is criminal ”, while another added, “We need to stop this nonsense of Aperol Spritz at £12.50!! It’s not only in Glasto, everywhere in UK it has crazy prices for no reason, in Italy it’s like £5!”

Glastonbury Festival drinks prices spark complaints as Prosecco sold for £43

SZA is the festival headliner who will save our summers

04:00 , Inga Parkel

Who is SZA?” a swathe of articles asked in the wake of the Glastonbury line-up announcement in March. “Why is she headlining one of the biggest festivals on earth ?” Google trends from around the time showed that enough people were searching those exact questions for it to be worth answering. But the people asking “huh?” just haven’t been paying attention. As the 34-year-old singer-songwriter gears up to headline Primavera Sound in Barcelona this week (and a host of other European and North American festivals across the summer), it’s time to make space in your live music schedule for her.

The Grammy and Brit winner has earned widespread acclaim for her two studio albums ‘CTRL’ and ‘SOS’ – yet, based on the confusion sparked when she was announced as a Glastonbury headliner this year, many still don’t know her name. Here’s why you should absolutely dive into her work, writes Kate Solomon

A brief history of Glastonbury’s Sunday Legends slot

03:00 , Inga Parkel

Glastonbury ’s Sunday Legends slot is one of the most prestigious sets in music. Every year, the seasoned pro of choice takes to the Pyramid Stage to unleash a thrilling performance of their biggest hits, often spanning decades.

For the perfect Legends Slot headliner, the artist needs to be known to the majority of Glastonbury-goers while also having that cultural heft beyond one or two recognisable songs.

It’s the home for long-established and beloved artists who are still going strong. But where did it all begin?

From Dolly Parton to Kylie Minogue and Shirley Bassey, the Sunday Legends slot at Glastonbury sets the stage for some of the biggest and best moments at the iconic festival

Emily Eavis reveals dream Glastonbury headliner and when the next fallow year will be

02:00 , Inga Parkel

Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has responded to questions about when the next fallow year will take place, while also revealing which artist she would love to headline the storied music festival.

The fallow year happens generally once every five years to allow the Somerset fields at Worthy Farm to recover , after around 200,000 music fans descend on the site each year.

With this year’s festival on the horizon, Eavis is already looking ahead to 2025 and beyond.

Glastonbury co-organiser answered some of the most-asked questions about the music festival

The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever, from Paul McCartney to David Bowie

01:00 , Inga Parkel

A 40-minute blast of pure, undiluted zeitgeist. A gigantic crowd stretching away over hill and vale. A generation’s prejudices and expectations overturned like a flick of dust off the shoulder. A setlist chiselled into quicksilver by Zeus and carried to the stage by a choir of winged roadies. Or maybe just the Dalai Lama, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.

These are just a few of the reasons why a gig playing out on the hallowed grounds of Worthy Farm might go down in Glastonbury folklore – one of those iconic moments that don’t just make the weekend, but mark out the evolution of pop culture. Glastonbury is where musical history is made and cultural colossi are crowned on a near-annual basis.

Ahead of the return of the world’s greatest festival, headlined this year by Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA, here’s a look back at the best ever Glastonbury performances.

Ahead of the festival’s return to Worthy Farm, Mark Beaumont picks some of Glastonbury’s greatest ever music moments

How to watch the BBC’s live coverage of Glastonbury 2024

Wednesday 26 June 2024 22:30 , Inga Parkel

The BBC has announced its scheduling for Glastonbury 2024 , as music fans who weren’t lucky enough to score tickets (or simply prefer to watch from home) look to tune into the action from Worthy Farm.

Live coverage by the broadcaster will begin on Wednesday 26 June, when fans flock to the festival fields in Somerset to see hundreds of artists perform.

On Friday, Dua Lipa will make her debut as Glastonbury headliner, followed by pop-rock band Coldplay on Saturday and US star SZA closing the festival on Sunday.

Meanwhile, country-pop icon Shania Twain will take on the Legends Slot , performing a career-spanning set of hits including “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much”.

Glastonbury 2024: How to watch the BBC’s live coverage

Broadcaster has unveiled its coverage plan for this year’s festival at Worthy Farm, including headliner performances on the Pyramid Stage from Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA

‘Someone stole my wellies!’: Glastonbury’s five muddiest festivals

Wednesday 26 June 2024 22:00 , Inga Parkel

Glastonbury might be known as one of the world’s greenest festivals, thanks to its setting in the picturesque Somerset countryside, but every so often the weather turns foul and those verdant fields are churned up into brown sludge.

As many fans will attest, over the years there have been a number of memorable occasions where guests spent more time trying to pry their wellies out of the mud than they did watching bands perform.

Some take this as a cue to give up and go home, while others decide to lean into it, resulting in some of the more iconic pictures of Glastonbury Festival.

Here are five of the muddiest Glastonbury festivals in memory.

Mud, lightning, thunder, rain and more mud! The years that bad weather took over Britain’s biggest festival

How big is Glastonbury 2024?

Wednesday 26 June 2024 21:30 , Inga Parkel

Held at Worthy Farms, an estimated 900-acre sprawling field, the Glastonbury festival averages over 200,000 guests annually. Due to safety regulations, the event only allows a total of 210,000 people on-site – this figure not only includes fans but event staff, performers, stage crew, hospitality staff and medical staff as well.

This figure was increased by 7,000 in 2022.

According to Metro.uk , Glastonbury releases a total of 138,000 tickets for sale, while 5,000 tickets are saved for local people to attend Sunday. This, then, leaves 67,000 spots for performers and all other staff.

Is Glastonbury still selling tickets?

Wednesday 26 June 2024 21:00 , Inga Parkel

No. The Glastonbury resale took place in April and, due to typically high demand, sold out in just 22 minutes. The cost of getting into the 2024 festival was £360 per person including the booking fee, up from £340 last year.

Eavis justified the hike last year in a statement that said: “We have tried very hard to minimise the increase in price on the ticket but we’re facing enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show, while still recovering from the huge financial impact of two years without a festival because of Covid.”

When is Glastonbury, who’s on the lineup and can you still get tickets?

Coldplay, Dua Lipa and SZA are headlining the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm this year, while Shania Twain will take on the coveted Legends Slot

Stay hydrated!

Wednesday 26 June 2024 20:30 , Inga Parkel

Remember to stay hydrated out there, even through the wetter weather.

There are 800+ taps where you can fill up your bottles for free, Glastonbury’s X account notes, adding that “all of our water is drinking water.”

DRINK EVERY DROP Welcome to #Glastonbury2024 ! All of our water is drinking water, and we have 800+ taps with the same quality water as your taps at home. Please refill your bottles for free throughout the Festival to stay hydrated and refreshed! pic.twitter.com/KHy2VADjmy — Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 26, 2024

Fatboy Slim explains why he can’t stop returning to Glastonbury Festival

Wednesday 26 June 2024 20:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Fatboy Slim is a Glastonbury veteran, with more Worthy Farm appearances under his belt than any other artist. The reason he keeps coming back? Because, he argues, Glastonbury is like no other festival.

The British DJ and producer, 60, made his debut at the storied event as under his real name, Norman Cook, playing bass with his former indie band, The Housemartins, who performed on the Pyramid Stage in 1986.

Ten years later, he adopted his Fatboy Slim moniker and achieved critical and commercial success with his debut album, Better Living Through Chemistry. This was followed by a string of hit records including You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, and Palookaville.

Since his first appearance as Fatboy Slim in 1996, Cook has performed at every single Glastonbury festival, meaning this year will mark his 26th appearance.

Speaking to The Independent, Cook praised Glastonbury for retaining its independence and building up a devoted clientele of music lovers.

Full story:

Moment gates officially opened for Glastonbury 2024 as crowds flock to Worthy Farm

Wednesday 26 June 2024 19:31 , Roisin O'Connor

New Glastonbury app helps friends find each other more easily

Wednesday 26 June 2024 19:01 , Roisin O'Connor

A new Glastonbury app will allow festival-goers to find their friends and their tent more easily, while recommending artists based on the user’s Spotify profile.

For the first time, fans heading to Worthy Farm from 26 to 30 June will be able to link their Spotify account to the app, which will use the profile to provide personalised recommendations on artists performing at the festival, Vodafone said.

When connecting to their Spotify, users will be given a top 10 line-up from those performing, as well as a wider selection of recommendations via a Discover More option.

The app also includes a new map feature to let festival-goers navigate the 1,000-acre grounds by dropping pins on locations such as their tent, where they parked their car, and to set meeting points to regroup with friends before performances.

Further additions include new directional navigation to help fans move between stages more easily.

Wednesday 26 June 2024 18:31 , Roisin O'Connor

The road to Glastonbury: What makes a Pyramid Stage headliner, and why is it so hard to find them?

Wednesday 26 June 2024 18:01 , Roisin O'Connor

As Worthy Farm gears up once again to welcome Glastonbury fans this week, the question of who should take top billing at the UK’s best-loved music festival is becoming harder to answer. Not to mention increasingly controversial. So what do organisers look for in a headline act? And should they be changing tack?

The road to Glastonbury: Why is it so hard to find a headliner?

Wednesday 26 June 2024 17:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Wednesday 26 June 2024 17:01 , Roisin O'Connor

“Sunday Legend” is a relatively new expression for Glastonbury . For many years, the veteran performers would simply be in the same company as the newer artists on the Pyramid Stage.

There is great debate over who really launched this distinguished spot. Many argue that it was Johnny Cash’s performance in 1994. However, Welsh star Sir Tom Jones has also claimed that he was he who invented the gig with his show on the Pyramid Stage two years prior.

Here’s the history in full:

Coldplay have always been cool, and it’s ludicrous to claim otherwise

Wednesday 26 June 2024 16:31 , Roisin O'Connor

As the British band prepare to headline Glastonbury for a record-breaking fifth time, Mark Beaumont assesses their legacy and questions why some critics are still sneering

Wednesday 26 June 2024 16:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Why England’s next Euro 2024 match won’t be shown at Glastonbury

Wednesday 26 June 2024 15:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury’s organisers have said they won’t be showing England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 game during the festival, as it could clash with a headliner’s performance.

Gareth Southgate’s team are guaranteed a place in the last 16, despite their poor performance to date, after Albania failed to beat Spain on Monday (24 June).

This means their next game will be on 30 June, the final night of the festival when SZA is due to headline.

In a statement released before Scotland were knocked out, the festival organisers said: “In previous years, we have endeavoured to show notable matches on big screens where possible, particularly on days before the main stages have opened.

“However, with England and Scotland’s last 16 matches potentially clashing with headline sets at this year’s festival, the decision has been made that - as in 2014 and 2016 - should England or Scotland qualify from their groups, their last 16 matches will not be shown at the festival.”

Organisers added: “We would like to wish both Gareth Southgate and Steve Clarke’s sides all the best in Germany. And we hope we’ll all be able to watch them play quarter-final matches in the days after this year’s festival.”

Unfortunately, this could mean a surge in festival-goers leaving Worthy Farm before SZA is due to take to the Pyramid Stage as the final headliner of the weekend.

She will perform at 9.30pm on the Sunday, after Burna Boy at 7.30pm and Janelle Monae at 5.45pm.

Was 2004 the worst Glastonbury ever? If you were an Oasis fan, yes

Wednesday 26 June 2024 15:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Twenty years ago, the Manchester band headlined Worthy Farm for the second and last time. Mark Beaumont looks back at the ill-fated show, which has gone down in history as one of their worst, and argues that it marked the beginning of the end for Liam and Noel Gallagher’s Britpop dream

Blondie performs ‘One Way or Another’ at Glastonbury 2023

Wednesday 26 June 2024 14:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Emily Eavis explains why a Glastonbury festival ticket ballot wouldn’t work

Wednesday 26 June 2024 14:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Emily Eavis has shut down the idea of a “ Glastonbury ballot ”, calling the dilemma over the demand for tickets “one of the worst sides to the job”.

The Glastonbury co-organiser, who is the daughter of festival founder Michael Eavis, opens the gates to Worthy Farm today and officially kicks off the 2024 festival , which is being headlined by Coldplay, Dua Lipa and SZA.

Speaking to the BBC in front of the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, Eavis was asked about whether organisers would ever consider doing a ticket ballot, considered one of the fairest ways to allow people to apply for tickets to in-demand events.

“I think if we did a ballot, we’d end up with some people who weren’t necessarily as bothered about coming,” Eavis explained to presenter and DJ Annie Mac.

“It’s really hard to say this year because I know a lot of people didn’t get tickets and they wanted them. But you know, a lot of the time, the people who really really want them get them do through volunteering or through competitions.”

In pictures: Revellers arrive at Glastonbury 2024

Wednesday 26 June 2024 12:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Wednesday 26 June 2024 11:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Emily Eavis says having two female headliners ‘means a lot to me'

Wednesday 26 June 2024 08:23 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis has said it “means a lot” to have two female headliners for the first time.

British pop star Dua Lipa and US R&B artist SZA will top the billing on Friday and Sunday, respectively, while rock band Coldplay are playing the Saturday headline set.

It is the first time in Glastonbury history that two female artists have played the biggest spot on the Pyramid Stage in the same year.

Country-pop singer Shania Twain will also join the trio as she performs in the coveted Legends Slot on Sunday.

“It means a lot to me, I’ve been working on this for a long time,” Eavis told the BBC after opening the gates to Worthy Farm and welcoming thousands of ticket-holders.

Calling Dua Lipa and SZA “very different artists”, she added: “Dua Lipa has grown up at Glastonbury, she’s come here every year... this is the spot she was born to play.”

In pictures: Glastonbury fans queue outside Worthy Farm before gates open

Wednesday 26 June 2024 08:03 , Roisin O'Connor

An early start for hundreds of Glastonbury ticket-holders as they reach the gates of Worthy Farm, where the festival has just opened to kick off a weekend of live music.

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State employees get extra day off for July 4, 2024

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DeSantis announced state offices will closed Friday, July 5, in addition to the scheduled closure on July 4 for Independence Day. 

“Following another historic legislative session that delivered tax breaks and record investments for Floridians – all while reducing spending – I hope our state employees use this additional time off to enjoy Florida’s Freedom Summer with their loved ones and celebrate America,” DeSantis said. 

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Revealed: The Host & Performers for Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special 2024!

It isn't 4th of July without the Macy's Fireworks Special, right? 

For decades, a special 4th of July tradition has been the  Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special . And this year, it's simulcasting on NBC and Peacock . 

A staple for over 40 years now, the  Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special is a sparkling showcase of some of the most intricate fireworks in the world — shot and displayed over the New York City skyline. If you live in NYC, you probably can find a spot to watch the fireworks IRL. But if you don't, NBC and Peacock have you covered. 

And we're getting more than just fireworks, too. As the Macy's website promises , the televised event will include "unforgettable stars" and "larger-than-life pyrotechnics" Want more details? You'll just have to tune in — and keep checking back to this article for updates. 

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Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special : 

When and where to watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special

NBC and Peacock are the streaming homes for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Special. The action kicks off Thursday, July 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.  

 An encore presentation will air at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

The broadcast will highlight individuals across the nation who are championing sustainability, accessibility, visibility for underrepresented groups, artistic expression, and more.

In an effort to create a more inclusive experience for blind and visually impaired viewers, NBCUniversal is proud to present special with a live audio description on the Secondary Audio Program channel (SAP), provided by Descriptive Video Works. This year’s broadcast will be available with additional audio narration, describing the rich visuals and performances.

Who is hosting and performing at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special? 

Four-time Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Mickey Guyton and American Ninja Warrior sideline reporter Zuri Hall are Hosts of the  Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special. 

Amber Mark, Brandy Clark, Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Mickey Guyton, Tanner Adell, and The War and Treaty will perform. 

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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Today Is the Longest Day of the Year in the Northern Hemisphere

We have Earth’s off-kilter tilt to thank for the summer solstice, as well as the different seasons.

By Katrina Miller

On Thursday, everyone in the northern half of our planet will experience the summer solstice. It’ll be the longest day of the year north of the Equator, and it is the scientific start of summer.

Earth has a solstice every six months, in June and in December. Leading up to the summer solstice, the sun appears in a higher spot in the sky at the same time each day until it reaches its maximum point.

After the summer solstice, the days will get shorter. The sun will appear lower in the sky each day until the winter solstice, on Dec. 21.

What time is the summer solstice this year?

According to the National Weather Service , the summer solstice will occur on Thursday at 4:51 p.m. Eastern time. This is the moment during the day when the sun reaches its most northern point in the sky during the year.

Why do we have solstices?

The sun’s height in the sky each day changes because Earth spins on an axis that is tilted 23.5 degrees away from vertical. This means that depending on the time of year the hemispheres lean either toward or away from the sun.

This is what gives Earth its seasons: When the northern half of the planet leans toward the sun, it experiences summer; at the same time, the southern half of the planet leans away from the sun, and is in winter. It is a mystery why Earth is angled this way, though some astronomers believe that its tilt paved the way for life to exist .

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice happens when Earth’s tilt toward the sun is greatest. Despite this, the hottest temperatures of the year usually occur a few weeks later , in July or August, because it takes time for the sun’s rays to warm our planet.

Do other planets in our solar system have solstices?

Any planet that is tilted will have solstices. According to NASA , every planet in our solar system has an axial tilt, but some are more pronounced than others.

Venus and Jupiter have only slight leans, around 3 degrees, while Mercury, at 0.03 degrees, is barely slanted at all. On the other hand, Uranus is oriented a whopping 97.8 degrees from vertical, causing one of its poles to point directly at the sun at times. That extreme tilt causes it to have some of the most dramatic seasons in our solar system.

Saturn and Neptune both have tilts close to Earth’s. So does Mars, at 25.2 degrees, although the red planet’s tilt has shifted dramatically over millions of years .

How do people celebrate the summer solstice?

Every year, people around the world ring in the June solstice with midsummer bonfires, festivals and — for those living above the Arctic Circle — midnight sun celebrations . At the other end of the world, scientists living in Antarctica throw their annual midwinter feast to commemorate the longest, darkest night on the continent.

Others travel to ancient ruins, like Stonehenge in England or the Temple of the Sun in Peru, to greet the solstice sun the way ancient peoples once did.

Katrina Miller is a science reporter for The Times based in Chicago. She earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

The company SpaceX achieved a key set of ambitious goals  on the fourth test flight of a vehicle that is central to Elon Musk’s vision of sending people to Mars.

Euclid, a European Space Agency telescope launched into space last summer, finally showed off what it’s capable of with a batch of breathtaking images  and early science results.

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

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• Travel Tips

The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Here are our best tips for booking travel in 2024.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for summer 2024 travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot months in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. But sometimes the best time to book a flight also depends on the destination and whether it's domestic or abroad. The trends are always changing, but experts say the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

But there is some regional variance. Going , a platform that tracks flight prices and notifies members of good deals, has found the best months to book flights to Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Latin America, for travel about 60 days out. Here's what it says.

Africa: Book in May.

Asia: Book in August or October, followed by April or September.

Oceania: Book in November, January, or July.

Europe: Book in August, October, or November.

Latin America: Book in October.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, Nastro says. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

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