APPROXIMATELY 119.3 MILLION Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, according to the latest AAA forecast. Nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers will drive, making it the most popular mode of travel.
This year's domestic travel projection surpasses the 2019 record by 64,000 and is 3 million higher than last year, AAA said in its report.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, AAA Travel’s vice president. “With Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and after the holiday.”
Preferred transportation mode
Nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers—107 million people—will drive to their destinations, the report found. While this is 2.5 million more than last year, it’s just shy of the 2019 record of 108 million. Many travelers, especially families with young children, prefer road trips for their flexibility and lower cost.
Gas prices are lower than last year’s national average of $3.12 in late December. Gas demand typically declines in December due to colder weather, remote work and more online holiday shopping.
Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, reports the highest rental demand in Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. The busiest pick-up days are Dec. 20 and 21, with returns peaking the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average rental period is one week.
AAA projects a record 7.85 million air travelers this holiday season, up from 7.5 million last year. However, flights are 4 percent more expensive, with domestic tickets averaging $830 and international fares up 13 percent to $1,630.
AAA also expects 4.47 million Americans to travel by bus, train, or cruise, a nearly 10 percent increase from last year and the highest in 20 years. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37 percent, as families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard ships full of activities and dining.
Top holiday spots
The top holiday destinations, based on AAA booking data for the holiday period, are led by tropical spots as travelers head to beach resorts and cruises. Along with Caribbean locations, Bahrain makes the top 10 international list due to its popular cruise port, pleasant weather, and rich history.
The top 10 domestic destinations are Orlando, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami; Anaheim/Los Angeles, California; Tampa, Florida; Las Vegas; Honolulu; Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans; and New York City.
In June, AAA projected approximately 70.9 million U.S. travelers would journey more than 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday, a 5 percent increase from 2023 and 8 percent from 2019.
