Christmas Through New Year’s Travel Expected To Be Busiest on Record

AAA forecasts that 115.2 million people plan to travel over 50 miles during the 10-day holiday travel period that borders Christmas and New Year’s Day. This year’s travelers are expected to increase by 2.2% over 2022, and the 2023 holiday season is predicted to be the second-highest year-end travel week since AAA began tracking traveling habits 23 years ago.

The organization has also projected that over 7.5 million people will fly by air and that over 4 million people will travel by other means of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises.

However, with all that travel comes a pleasant surprise for those who choose planes. Ticket prices are down from last year, allowing families to pocket the difference.

“It depends on your desired route and destination. There are last-minute deals to be found, but if your preference is a nonstop flight with seat selection, AAA recommends booking well in advance and protecting your investment with travel insurance,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.

INRIX, which provides transit data to AAA, believes that those who travel by car will find themselves stuck in their vehicles for upwards of 20% longer than normal. However, some tips and tricks can be utilized to ensure a smooth ride to your destination. These include avoiding peak commuting hours and using traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services to minimize congestion. The heaviest traffic days are projected to be Dec. 23, 28, and 30.

Therefore, common sense is travelers’ most important tool in their arsenal. Flexibility is also vital when traveling to avoid congestion while driving, delays while flying, and wait times for trains or buses. Traveling during off times or overnight could help save big bucks and significant headaches this holiday season.

Many families are also booking destination trips for the holidays, per AAA. Some popular domestic locales include Orlando and Miami, Florida, New York City, and Las Vegas. Internationally, families plan to visit countries such as the United Kingdom, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Italy.