115.2 Million Expected To Travel Over Holidays: Record Numbers, Best/Worst Times to Drive, And Tips For Stress-Free Experience

AAA's year-end travel forecast reveals a surge in holiday journeys, with 115.2 million Americans expected to travel. Curious about the top destinations, traffic tips, and cost-saving measures? Explore the anticipated trends and predictions for this festive travel season.

Saihaj Kaur Madan

Updated on: 12 December 2023 10:04 pm

115.2 Million Expected To Travel Over Holidays

AAA estimates that 115.2 million individuals will journey 50 miles or more away from their residences during the 10-day year-end holiday travel period. This year's overall count of domestic travelers reflects a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, marking the second-highest year-end travel forecast since AAA commenced tracking holiday travel in 2000. It's worth noting that the busiest Christmas and New Year's travel period on record remains in 2019, boasting 119 million travelers.

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, commented on the year-end holiday forecast, noting, “This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023," recognizing that despite the expenses involved, more Americans are dedicating resources to travel, aiming to create cherished memories with loved ones and explore new destinations.

Travel By Road During The Holidays

AAA anticipates that almost 104 million individuals will opt for road travel to reach their holiday destinations, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year. The projected number of drivers for this year stands as the second-highest on record, following 2019 when 108 million drivers embarked on holiday journeys.

As we approach the end of 2023, drivers can anticipate paying approximately the same or even less for a gallon of gas compared to the last holiday season. On Christmas Day and New Year's Day in the previous season, the national average prices were $3.10 and $3.20, respectively.

Flights During The Holiday Season

Airports are expected to experience their highest-ever activity during the Christmas and New Year's travel period. AAA forecasts a total of 7.5 million air travelers this holiday season, surpassing the previous record of 7.3 million passengers set in 2019.

Despite the increased volume, average ticket prices show a slight decrease from the previous year. AAA's booking data reveals that the average cost of a roundtrip ticket to Orlando this holiday season is $613, down from $735 last year, while a roundtrip ticket to Las Vegas is now $508 compared to $705 in 2022.

“It depends on your desired route and destination. There are last-minute deals to be found, but if your preference is a nonstop flight with seat selection, AAA recommends booking well in advance and protecting your investment with travel insurance,” Twidale added.?

Alternative Modes Of Transportation For?The Holidays

The count of individuals opting for alternative modes of transportation such as buses, trains, and cruises is predicted to exceed the figures recorded in 2019. AAA forecasts that over 4 million Americans will choose alternative transportation for their Christmas and New Year's travel plans, surpassing the 3.66 million in 2022 and 3.89 million in 2019.

The demand for cruises has experienced a notable surge post-pandemic, and the industry is gearing up for the anticipated influx of bookings that typically occurs at the beginning of the new year.

“Savvy travelers know that right after the holidays is the best time to book a cruise,” Twidale said. “That’s when cruise lines offer some of the best deals, and AAA members get exclusive benefits in addition to those discounts.”

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

Inrix, a provider of transportation data and insights, forecasts several days of potentially challenging traffic conditions during the 10-day holiday period. According to Inrix, the most congested days on the road will be Saturday, December 23, and Thursday, December 28. Additionally, Saturday, December 30, a day when many individuals will be either returning home from their holiday destinations or traveling for New Year's Eve, is expected to witness increased traffic compared to a typical Saturday. The recommended times for travel are before lunchtime or after 7 pm.

“Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 20% longer this holiday season. In major metros, especially in Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC, drivers could experience nearly double the typical delays,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services to minimize holiday travel traffic frustrations.”

Top Year-End Holiday Destinations

This holiday season, adventure-seekers are opting for warm weather getaways like Florida and the Caribbean, vibrant hotspots such as New York and Las Vegas, and enchanting European gems like London and Rome! Check out the top domestic and international destinations, as revealed by AAA's thrilling flight booking data.

Top Domestic Destinations This Holiday Season

Orlando, FL ??????
Anaheim, CA ???
Chicago, IL ??????? ?
Charlotte, NC? ?
Miami, FL ????????? ?
Atlanta, GA ?????? ?
Las Vegas, NV
New York, NY? ? ?
Phoenix, AZ?
Houston, TX?

Top International/U.S. Territories Destinations This Holiday Season

London, England
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Aruba
Dublin, Ireland
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rome, Italy
Reykjavík, Iceland??
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Costa Rica ????????

Airport Parking Tips

As the holiday season anticipates a historic surge in air travel, AAA advises travelers to proactively plan and exercise caution when driving to the airport and securing parking for their vehicles.

Pre-Book Your Parking Space for Time and Cost Savings:

Reserve your parking spot in advance to streamline your experience and cut down on expenses.

Choose a Well-Lit and Secure Garage:

Opt for a secure and well-lit parking garage to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Consider On-Site Garages for Convenience:

While on-site garages might be pricier, they provide convenience and peace of mind due to their proximity to the airport terminals.

Explore Trusted Off-Site Parking Options:

If opting for off-site parking, select reputable providers like The Parking Spot, known for secure fencing and shuttle services to the airport. AAA members may also enjoy discounts.