Georgians are expected to travel in record numbers for the year-end holiday period (Saturday, December 21 through Wednesday, January 1). AAA predicts that 3.7 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more from home. That’s 108,677 more travelers than the previous record high set last year.
AAA expects 3 million more travelers nationwide than last year. An estimated 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more, narrowly surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.
It is worth noting that for this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the twelve-day period from Saturday, December 21, to Wednesday, January 1. AAA’s year-end holiday travel period can range from 10 to 13 days, depending on which day of the week Christmas and New Year’s Day fall. This year's holiday travel period is two days longer than last year. While a longer holiday travel period can offer more options for departures and return trips, all the year-end holiday periods contain two weekends.
Debbis Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA says, “Travelers should expect the roads, airports, and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal, so finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which provides assistance in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”
By which mode of transportation can also be considered a factor with the projected numbers. AAA anticipates:
- By Car: 2.5 million more people will be on the roads this year. Nationwide, an estimated 107 million will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s just shy of the record of 108 million road travelers – set in 2019.
Road travel is expected to set new records in Georgia. More than 3.3 million Georgians are forecast to take a road trip, 87,637 more than last year. Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular travel method.
- By Air: Nationally, AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season. Nearly 7.9 million Americans are forecast to take at least one domestic flight, surpassing the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year.
AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season than last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.
- By Other Modes: The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people to travel by other modes, the highest it’s been in 20 years.
Cruise bookings out of domestic ports are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.
Full holiday travel details through AAA can be found by going to their website, linked here.
