Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
More than 120 million Americans will hit the road during holiday season, AAA predicts
Nearly 120 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home from Saturday through New Year’s Day, AAA estimates. An additional three million travelers are expected this holiday season compared to last year.
This year’s travel trends reflect a strong post-pandemic desire for family reunions and road trips.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”
The New York Times corroborated AAA’s predictions, noting that Americans are increasingly prioritizing family gatherings despite economic challenges.
Nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel. More than 100 million people are expected to travel by car, and although that number is 2.5 million higher than last year, it’s shy of 2019’s record of 108 million. Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide.
According to USA Today’s holiday travel analysis, road trips remain the most economical and flexible option for family travel.
This holiday season, gas prices are lower than last year, when the national average was around $3.12 in the last two weeks of 2023. Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely and holiday shoppers purchase gifts online instead of in person.
AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season with 7.85 million passengers. That number surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million last year. AAA booking data show that flights are 4 percent more expensive this holiday season compared to last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13 percent more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.
Reuters reported that despite higher ticket prices, air travel demand remains strong, indicating a robust recovery in the travel sector.
Finally, the number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10 percent compared to last year. AAA expects that 4.47 million people will travel by other modes. That number is the highest it’s been in 20 years. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37 percent compared to last holiday season.
“With a near-record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, Dec. 22, expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”
The Washington Post emphasized the importance of strategic travel planning to minimize congestion and maximize travel comfort.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
