More than 115.2 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday week.
According to a AAA press release, the 2023 number of domestic travelers is projected to increase by 2.2% increase over 2022, marking the second-highest year-end holiday travel forecast since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The busiest year-end holiday travel season occurred in 2019 with 119 million travelers.
“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in the release. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”
According to the release, nearly 104 million people will drive to their destinations, which is an increase of 1.8% over last year and the second-highest mark after 2009’s 108 million drivers traveled for the holidays.
Drivers can expect around the same national average price per gallon of gas as they had in 2022. As of Dec. 14, the national price per gallon was at $3.10. Last year, the prices were around $3.20.
Airports will see a projected record number of travelers at 7.5 million. The mark will surpass the 2019 record of 7.3 million people flying over the year’s final week. The AAA release stated that average ticket prices are lower this year over 2022, with roundtrip prices to Orlando at $613 compared to $735 in 2022, and a roundtrip to Las Vegas is $508 compared to last year’s $705.
“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,” Twidale said.
More than 4 million people will travel by other modes, like bus, train and cruise, which is projected to surpass 2019’s 3.89 million and last year’s 3.66 million. Post-COVID pandemic demand for cruises has skyrocketed.
“Savvy travelers know that right after the holidays is the best time to book a cruise,” Twidale said. “That’s when cruise lines offer some of the best deals, and AAA members get exclusive benefits in addition to those discounts.”