Record 122 Million Americans Traveling for Holidays, AAA Reports

Holiday Travel Projections

• 🚀 AAA projects a record-breaking 122.4 million Americans will travel for the holidays between December 20 and January 1.
• 🚗 The vast majority, 109.5 million people, are expected to travel by car, setting a new record for road travel.
• ✈️ Approximately 8.03 million people are anticipated to travel by plane, with 4.9 million opting for bus, train, or cruise.

Travel Costs and Destinations

• 💸 Roundtrip flights are 7% more expensive than last year, averaging nearly $900 per ticket, though some travelers are undeterred.
• ⛽ A significant factor for increased road travel is the drop in gas prices, falling below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021.
• ☀️ Popular destinations include Florida, California, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

Busiest Travel Times

• 🗓️ The week of Christmas is expected to be busier than the week of New Year's, both for road and air travel.
• 🚗 Driving on the day after Christmas is also anticipated to be busy.
• 🎄 Flying leading up to Christmas is expensive, but traveling on Christmas Day itself may be more affordable.
• 🎆 New Year's Day is generally less expensive for travel, but January 4th is identified as a particularly expensive travel day as people return home.