AAA says a record 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday period from December 20 through January 1. That’s a 2.2 percent increase over last year and the highest number ever recorded.
Driving remains the top choice, with nearly 109.5 million people hitting the road—about 89 percent of all holiday travelers. AAA says lower gas prices are helping, with the national average below three dollars a gallon for the first time in four years.
Tips for drivers: AAA recommends slowing down and checking your tires, battery, and fluids before leaving. Last year alone, AAA handled more than 860,000 roadside assistance calls during the holidays.
Air travel is also setting records. AAA projects just over 8 million people will fly, the highest number ever for the year-end holiday period. However, flying is more expensive, with domestic airfare up 7 percent, averaging nearly $900 per ticket. Flights leading up to Christmas and around New Year’s Day are the priciest, while flying on Christmas Day itself tends to be cheaper.
Tips for flyers: Travelers should check flight status before heading to the airport, sign up for airline alerts, and arrive early—at least two hours for domestic flights and three for international. Pack essentials like medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on, and consider travel insurance, which can help cover delays, cancellations, or lost luggage during peak holiday travel.
Read the full AAA holiday travel report here.