HOUSTON, Texas – Holiday travel is expected to surge this year as millions of Americans prepare to hit the road or take to the skies starting this weekend.
According to AAA, about 122.4 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, a 2.2% increase over last year’s record and the new highest travel forecast on record.
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Driving will remain the dominant way people get to their destinations, with AAA projecting 109.5 million Americans will travel by car, up about 2 % from last year. The convenience and relative affordability of road travel continue to make it the most popular choice for the holidays.
For the first time, more than 8 million domestic flyers are expected during this year’s holiday period, with AAA forecasting about 8.03 million air travelers, a rise of 2.3 % compared to last year.
AAA’s travel projections come as gas prices remain lower than they were at the end of last holiday season, when the national average hovered around $3.04 per gallon. In recent weeks, the average has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years, a trend that could encourage even more motorists to take long road trips.
As travel demand climbs, AAA officials are urging people to plan and stay safe, especially on crowded roadways, and to be prepared for higher demand for rental cars and flights during the holiday rush.