- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 3 months ago by
.
- Posts
Key Highlights
- 119.3 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more between December 21 and January 1.
- This is the highest number of travelers since 2019, narrowly beating the record by 64,000.
- Driving remains the most popular mode of travel, with 107 million travelers hitting the road.
- Air travel will set a new record this year, with 7.85 million passengers flying during the holiday period.
- Bus, train, and cruise travel is seeing a 10% increase, the highest in 20 years.
Year-End Holiday Travel Overview
AAA predicts a record-breaking holiday season, with millions of Americans traveling across the country. Travel numbers this year are slightly higher than 2019’s record, highlighting a continued rebound in holiday movement. The busiest travel days are expected to fall on the weekends before and after Christmas Day.
Travelers by Mode
By Car
Driving remains the preferred way to travel, with nearly 90% of holiday travelers choosing to hit the road. AAA estimates 107 million people will drive to their destinations this year, up 2.5 million from last year but slightly below 2019’s record.
Several reasons make road trips attractive:
- Lower costs compared to flying.
- Flexibility, especially for families with young kids.
- Gas prices are lower this year than last December when the national average was $3.12.
Demand for gas typically decreases in December due to colder weather, remote work, and more online shopping.
Car Rentals:
Hertz, AAA’s rental partner, notes these cities have the highest rental demand:- Denver
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Oahu
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Tampa
The busiest rental pickup days will be Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21, while returns will peak on the weekend and Monday after Christmas. Rentals average one week in duration.
By Air
Air travel is expected to hit a record-breaking 7.85 million passengers this season, surpassing last year’s 7.5 million.
- Flights are 4% more expensive than last year.
- Domestic tickets average $830, while international tickets are $1,630, a 13% increase over last year.
By Bus, Train, and Cruise
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is up 10% this year, marking the highest level in two decades. AAA expects 4.47 million people to use these other travel modes.
Cruise Travel:
Cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last year. Cruises are particularly popular during the holidays, offering families a unique way to celebrate with plenty of activities and food onboard.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.