According to AAA’s survey, the number of people traveling for the holidays is approaching pre-pandemic levels. With nearly 113 million expected to travel, AAA offers advice to prevent delays and headaches.
Over three million more are expected to travel this season, an AAA spokesperson said. This could make 2022 the third busiest year for holiday travel since AAA began tracking in 2000.
The spokesperson said that 102 million are expected to travel by car, 7.2 million by airplane, and 3.6 million by public transportation.
December 23, 27, 28, and January 2 will be the most congested days on the road, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics provider. December 27, in particular, is expected to be “the nation’s worst day to travel,” INRIX Transportation Analyst Bob Pishue said.
Nationwide, drivers can see travel times become 25 percent longer, with residents in major metropolitan cities experiencing double the typical delays, the spokesperson said.
TIP: “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the afternoon commute,” Pishue stated.
TIP: The best time to travel is December 23 before 2 p.m., and the worst time to travel is after 4 p.m.
“This year, travel time will be extended due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays,” AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel Paula Twidale said.
“With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return,” Twidale continued.