by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Thu December 15, 2016
On Thursday, AAA announced that it estimates more than 103 million Americans are expected to travel for the year-end holidays, which would be an all-time record.
The estimate of around 103 million travelers marks a 1.5 percent increase compared to 2015-1.5 million more people traveling-despite one fewer travel day this holiday season. The 2016 year-end holiday travel period is defined as Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, 2017.
Officials from AAA believe the increase in holiday travel will be spurred on by additional consumer spending, labor market improvement, rising wages, low gas prices and increased consumer optimism.
"'Tis the season for holiday travel, and this year more Americans will travel to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before," AAA CEO Marshall Doney said in a statement. "Rising incomes and continued low gas prices should make for a joyous holiday travel season."
As for how the 103 million travelers will get to their destinations, an estimated 93.6 million people will drive (a 1.5 percent increase,) more than six million will fly (a 2.5 percent increase) and 3.5 million will use other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses.
One of the reasons more people are hitting the road is cheap gas prices, which AAA said would be the second-cheapest in nearly a decade. Airplane tickets are also projected to average $204 for a roundtrip flight, and daily car rental rates will average $66. Hotel rates are expected to increase seven percent, though.
While many travelers will visit family, others will be looking to find warm weather locations to escape the bitter winter chill. AAA has also compiled a list of most popular destinations for this holiday season:
•Las Vegas, Nevada
•Orlando, Florida
•New York City
•San Diego, California
•Anaheim, California
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