by Donald Wood
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Wed December 11, 2024
With Christmas around the corner, AAA Travel is predicting
that 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the winter
holiday period, which runs from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1.
The domestic travel projections for the 2024 season narrowly
surpass the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an
additional three million travelers this holiday season compared to last year.
“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, Vice
President of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday,
we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the
weekend after the holiday.”
How People Travel
AAA Travel’s research found that nearly 90 percent of
holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, with 107 million people
traveling by car. While that total is 2.5 million higher than last year, it is
shy of 2019’s record of 108 million.
As for air travel, the mode of holiday transportation is
expected to set a record this winter season with 7.85 million passengers. The
estimate would surpass the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers, which
was set last year.
The number of Americans traveling by other modes of
transportation this holiday season is also expected to increase nearly 10
percent compared to last year, with 4.47 million people forecast to use buses,
trains, and cruise ships.
For the cruise industry, domestic bookings are up 37 percent
compared to last holiday season.
Top Holiday Destinations
According to AAA booking data from December 21, 2024 to
January 1, 2025, the top domestic holiday travel destinations are Orlando, Fort
Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles/Anaheim, Tampa, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Charleston,
New Orleans, and New York City.
As for international travelers, the top destinations include
Punta Cana, Mexicali, Cancun, Bahrain, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose, San Juan,
Nassau, Oranjestad, and London.
Best and Worst Times to Drive
Data from INRIX expects drivers will experience the worst
traffic delays the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Drivers in
Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC could see double the typical
delays.
Nationwide, travel times could be up to 30 percent longer.
“With a near record number of auto travelers expected this
holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas,
with Sunday, December 22 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.
“Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting
hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the
evening commute,” Pishue continued.
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