Hey Friend,

The 4th of July is this Saturday, and if you have travel on the calendar this week, I want to give you a heads up before you walk out the door underprepared. Over 72 million Americans are expected to be on the move.

More than 61 million driving, 6 million flying, and TSA bracing for close to 18.7 million people through security checkpoints. Add the FIFA World Cup and the country's 250th birthday happening simultaneously and yes, this is officially the busiest 4th of July on record.

The crowds are coming whether we're ready or not. Here's how to get ahead of it and what I'm putting on the grill this weekend.

FROM THE GRILL: Grilled chicken on a charcoal grill

Charcoal chicken is a different game than gas. It's smokier, better crust, worth the extra effort. The secret is a two-zone fire: sear over direct heat, finish over indirect with the lid closed, and pull at 165 degrees internal temp. Works in your backyard or over a campfire grate on your next camping trip.

FROM THE GRILL: The best way to grill brats

Skip putting brats directly over high heat because the casing splits and you lose all the juice. Start them in a beer bath with sliced onions first, then finish on the grill for the char and snap. The full post has nine technique secrets and twelve side dish and topping ideas if you want to go all in for Saturday.

FOR YOUR TRAVEL PLANNING: Ireland beyond the pubs If the holiday weekend has you thinking about your next big trip, Ireland belongs on the list. This teen-focused itinerary covers cliff walks, castles, surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the kind of landscapes that make teenagers actually put their phones down. Read the full Ireland Itinerary Here

4TH OF JULY TRAVEL TIPS WORTH KNOWING

🗓️ Travel on the right day. July 2nd is expected to be the single busiest travel day of the week for both flights and roads. Leave a day earlier or wait until the 5th if you have any flexibility at all.

🕔 Get to the airport early and skip the checked bag if you can. Peak travel weeks make lines longer than expected even with PreCheck. If you're checking bags or traveling with a group, add 30 to 45 extra minutes.

⛽ Fill your tank the night before. Gas stations near highways get slammed and marked up over holiday weekends. Top off at home and download your route offline in Google Maps or Waze in case cell service gets spotty.

🛡️ Check your credit card for travel insurance. If you booked your trip on a travel credit card, you may already have complimentary coverage for cancellations, delays, and lost bags — but only if you charged everything to that same card. Takes two minutes to check.

FOR THE TRAVELER WHO GETS MOTION SICK: Reliefband Sport

I have been wearing this since 2021 on planes, boats, winding mountain roads, and thrill rides — and it is the only thing that actually works for me. Drug-free, waterproof, and adjustable. I just updated my full review this week if you want the real five-year take before you buy.

Happy 4th of July. Stay safe, grill something worth eating, and hit reply if you're headed somewhere fun this weekend. I read every one.