Auto Association Also Gives Lists of Best and Worst Times to Travel Over Next Couple of Weeks
AAA anticipates a new record for holiday travel this year, projecting that 119.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home between December 21st and January 1st. This figure represents an increase of 3 million travelers compared to last year’s data, indicating robust growth in holiday mobility.
According to Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson at AAA Northeast, the unique placement of Christmas Day on a Wednesday this year allows for extended travel opportunities both before and after the holiday. “Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which puts both the weekend before and after the holiday in play for travelers,” said Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson, AAA Northeast. “We continue to see demand for travel soar at this time of year as Americans visit family and friends and take in new destinations.”
Car Trips Remain Top Choice for Christmas Travel
Automobile travel remains the preferred mode of transport, with nearly 90% of travelers, approximately 107 million, expected to drive. This is an uptick of 2.5 million over last year. Car rental activity is poised to peak on December 20 and 21, according to Hertz, a partner of AAA. The company also predicts the busiest period for rental returns will occur the weekend following Christmas.
Air travel is also setting new benchmarks with about 7.85 million passengers expected, surpassing last year’s record by 350,000. AAA highlights a price increase in airfares, with domestic and international flights costing 4% and 13% more, respectively, than in the previous year.
Additionally, travel via buses, trains, and cruises is witnessing a near 10% increase from last year, totaling 4.47 million travelers. Notably, domestic cruise bookings have jumped 37%, reflecting a growing interest in maritime holiday experiences.
Traffic analytics firm INRIX projects significant delays during the weekends preceding Christmas and New Year’s Day, though minimal congestion is expected on the holidays themselves. The best times to drive are generally in the mornings or late evenings, avoiding typical rush hours.
For those planning road trips, understanding peak travel times can enhance travel planning, ensuring smoother journeys during this bustling holiday season.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Here’s a simple table summarizing the best and worst times to travel by car during the Christmas period:
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec. 19 | 3-8 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 20 | 1-8 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | 4-8 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Sunday, Dec. 22 | 3-8 p.m. | Before noon |
| Monday, Dec. 23 | 1-6 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Minimal traffic impact | |
| Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Minimal traffic impact | |
| Thursday, Dec. 26 | Noon-5 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 27 | 3-7 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 28 | 1:30-7 p.m. | Before 11 p.m. |
| Sunday, Dec. 29 | Noon-6 p.m. | Before 11 p.m. |
| Monday, Dec. 30 | 5-7 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Minimal traffic impact | |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Minimal traffic impact | |
| Thursday, Jan. 2 | 4-8 p.m. | Before 3 p.m. |
AAA’s Top Holiday Destinations
Tropical weather destinations are hot this holiday season, according to AAA booking data for Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Domestically, several cities in Florida top the list, followed by Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The most popular international destinations include the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica.
