If you’re traveling for the holiday season, it’s time to get ready! The festivities are drawing near, and that means millions of people will be taking a plane, car, bus, train, and more to be with their families and friends on those special days.

If you’re one of those people, you should know that AAA has predicted that end-of-the-year holiday travel will break records! We’re breaking down what that will mean for you right here.

AAA – The Auto Club Group has projected that 122.4 million Americans will travel for the holidays. Over the 13 days at the end of the year holiday period, millions of Americans will travel more than 50 miles from their home, which is a 2.2% increase from 2024.

This end-of-the-year period begins on December 20th and ends on January 1st, 2026. Debbie Haas, the Vice President of Travel for AAA, said, “People are eager to travel this holiday season. That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies.” She continued to say their best advice is to plan ahead! This includes booking your tickets early, allowing for extra travel time, and even considering travel insurance.

The total number of travelers is 2.7 million more than last year, and the average cost of a domestic flight is $890, which is 7% more than last year. International flights are averaging at $1,400, which is down 14%. AAA projected in their press release that 109.5 million people will travel by car during this period, so if you’re hitting the road, be prepared for traffic. 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips this year!

If you are driving, the good news is that gas prices on average are lower than last year. The national average has dipped below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years. To keep travel easy, AAA recommends checking your tires, batteries, and car fluids before hitting the road to prevent any issues you might run into.

AAA also predicts that a record 8.03 million travelers, a 2.3% increase compared to last year, will travel by air! This will be the first time this number is larger than 8 million ever. They shared that “travel insurance is essential, especially when winter weather and heavy travel demand increase the risk of delays and cancellations.”

If you’re catching a flight, be sure to stay updated on your flight status for any updates as they come. Also, head to the airport early! Crowds and lines in the airports can throw you off your schedule. Packing smart is also super important. You need to keep your medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case you need them. Finally, AAA urges you to know your rights! During the craziness of this time, understanding an airline’s policies on rebooking and compensation can be super important if you need to advocate for yourself.

Warm locations like Orlando seem to be the most popular during the winter months, so Mickey had better make some room! This past Thanksgiving was one of the busiest travel seasons we’ve seen in 15 years, so be sure to pack your patience. Be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news and updates.

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