AAA forecasts a record 119.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the year-end holiday period, spanning December 21 to January 1. This projection surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers, reflecting a rise of three million travelers compared to last year.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel said, as reported by AAA Newsroom. With Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, high travel volumes are anticipated during the weekends before and after the holiday.
Nearly 107 million travelers are expected to drive to their destinations, representing the most popular mode of travel. While this figure is 2.5 million higher than last year, it remains just below the 2019 record of 108 million drivers. Lower gas prices this year, compared to an average of $3.12 in December 2023, are contributing to the preference for road trips.
Car rental demand is also high in cities such as Denver, Las Vegas, and Miami, according to AAA’s rental partner Hertz. The busiest car pickup days are forecasted to be December 20 and 21, while returns will peak after Christmas weekend. The average rental duration is one week.
Air travel is set to reach a new record, with 7.85 million Americans flying over the holiday period. This marks an increase from last year’s 7.5 million air travelers. According to AAA data, ticket prices are up by 4% domestically, averaging $830, while international flights have risen 13% to an average of $1,630.
Other modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises, are also seeing increased popularity. Nearly 4.47 million travelers are expected to use these options, the highest number in two decades. Domestic cruise bookings are also up 37% compared to last year, with many families opting to celebrate the holidays aboard ships offering entertainment and dining.
With an estimated 2.5 million additional travelers on the roads, AAA is urging drivers to prioritize safety. Recommendations include adhering to speed limits, ensuring drivers are well-rested, and following state Move Over laws to protect roadside workers.
AAA emphasizes that speeding offers negligible time savings while significantly increasing crash risks. Drivers are also advised to plan rest breaks every 100 miles or two hours during long trips to maintain alertness.
Traffic congestion is expected to peak on December 22, according to transportation analytics firm INRIX. Cities such as Boston, New York, and Washington, DC, could see delays double the normal levels.
“Drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid peak commuting hours or travel early in the day.”
