Are you prepared? AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 20 and January 1, setting a new record for year-end holiday travel. That’s a 2.2% increase over last year, and it means crowded roads, packed airports, and soaring travel costs.

Travel methods by the numbers

• By car: 109.5 million travelers will drive—89% of all holiday travelers. Gas prices are a bright spot: for the first time in four years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon this month.
• By air: A record 8.03 million flyers will take domestic flights, with tickets averaging nearly $900, up 7% from last year.
• By other modes: 4.9 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise—a 9% increase.

According to INRIX, some metro areas will see travel times double or worse:

• Washington, DC: Travel to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Pkwy—up 133%.
• Boston: Travel to Portsmouth via I-95—up 126%.
• Los Angeles: Travel to Palm Springs via I-10—up 89%.

Best and worst times to drive

• Worst: Dec. 20–23 and Dec. 26–28, afternoons and early evenings.
• Best: Early mornings before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

AAA’s top holiday destinations 

Warm weather wins: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Honolulu top the domestic list. International travelers favor Cancun, Punta Cana, and Cozumel.

AAA tips for a safer, smoother trip

• Plan ahead: Book early and check traffic forecasts.
• Stay safe: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month—make a plan for a sober ride.
• Prepare your car: AAA responded to 860,000 roadside calls last year during this period. Check your battery, tires, and fuel before hitting the road.

Are you traveling this holiday season? Be ready for the unexpected with the AAA Mobile App. Request roadside assistance conveniently straight from the app. Download today!

AAA Mobile App