Holiday Travel Hits Record High – Here’s What You Need To Know To Survive the Season!
Expect long lines and packed roads—this holiday season, nearly 120 million Americans are traveling, making it the busiest yet! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Travel #Holidays
ST. PAUL, MN – As the year winds down, more than 119 million Americans are gearing up to travel for the holidays, making this the busiest Christmas season in history. From December 21 through January 1, the number of people heading out of town is expected to surpass previous records, with AAA forecasting a 3 million increase in travelers compared to last year. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the holiday rush.
Driving Will Be the Most Popular Option
Nearly 90% of holiday travelers are expected to hit the road, leading to heavy traffic and longer travel times. For those planning road trips, AAA warns that travel could take up to 30% longer than usual. To avoid the worst congestion, the best advice is to travel on holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The weekends leading up to Christmas and New Year’s are expected to see the highest traffic volumes. For those who must drive during peak times, AAA recommends leaving in the morning to minimize delays.
In addition to the traffic concerns, the good news is that gas prices are at some of their lowest levels in years, with the national average hovering just above $3 per gallon, offering a bit of relief for travelers.
Air Travel Reaches Record Highs
For those opting to fly, the holiday season is expected to break records with 7.85 million passengers taking to the skies. Despite rising ticket prices—up 4% compared to last year—the demand for air travel is still surging.
United Airlines, in particular, is preparing for its busiest holiday travel period ever, with nearly 10 million people forecasted to fly with the airline between December 19 and January 6, a 12% increase from the previous year.
Travelers planning to fly with United should expect peak days on December 20, 27, and 28, when the airline anticipates the highest number of flights and passengers. Despite the challenges of crowded airports, United is enhancing its app to help passengers stay informed and save time, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Other Travel Options See Growth
While driving and flying remain the most popular choices, other forms of travel are also experiencing growth. The number of people traveling by bus, train, and cruise is up nearly 10% compared to last year. Notably, cruise bookings have surged by 37%, showing a strong demand for domestic cruises this season.
As travelers prepare for the busy holiday season, planning ahead and understanding travel trends can help ease the stress and make for a smoother trip. Safe travels – and merry Christmas!
RELATED TOPICS: Travel Tips | Christmas
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