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- A record 122.4 million Americans are expected to travel for the winter holidays.
- Domestic round-trip flights are averaging nearly $900, a 7% increase from last year.
- The days leading up to Christmas will have the most significant road traffic.
The final stretch of holiday travel for the year is upon us, and it’ll be a busy one.
For the winter holidays between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, around 122.4 million Americans are expected to travel – exceeding last year’s 119.7 million and setting a new record, according to AAA.
While most will hit the road for their year-end trips, around 8.03 million are expected to fly. There is also increased demand for cruising, up 25% from 2019.
“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”
Here’s what to know about holiday travel.
Are holiday flights more expensive this year?
Yes, with a round-trip domestic flight averaging nearly $900 – about 7% more expensive compared to last year, according to AAA. The most expensive days to fly are those leading up to Christmas and New Year’s, as people fit in one last getaway.
According to Cirium data, flight prices for the holiday season are more stable than in 2024, as more budget carriers have fewer excess seats to fill this year.
What are the top holiday destinations?
Many travelers are seeking out warmer temperatures for the winter holidays. Floridian cities like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami are the most popular destinations for domestic travelers, followed by Anaheim, California – home to Disneyland – and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Those taking international trips are also going south to tropical locales, such as Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cozumel, Mexico; and San Jose, Costa Rica.
What are the best times to drive for the holidays?
As usual, the least amount of traffic will be on the holidays themselves: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
To bypass the worst congestion, avoid driving after 9 p.m. on Dec. 20 and before 1 p.m. on Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.
After Christmas, traffic will be lighter before 11 a.m. from Dec. 26 through Dec. 28 and before 10 a.m. on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.
What are the worst times to drive for the holidays?
Christmas week is anticipated to have more traffic than New Year’s, with the busiest days expected to be the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas and the day after the holiday, according to INRIX.
As many embark on their Christmas trips, the worst traffic will be between noon and 8 p.m. on Dec. 20, and then 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.
Drivers can expect heavy traffic between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 26 and Dec. 28; noon and 8 p.m. on Dec. 29; and noon and 7 p.m. on Dec. 30.
Peak congestion times for routes in or out of major US cities
Atlanta
- Worst route: Atlanta to Augusta via I-20 E
- Worst day: Dec. 22
- Worst time: 3:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 12 minutes
- Travel time increase: 51%
Boston
- Worst route: Boston to Portsmouth via I-95 N
- Worst day: Dec. 20
- Worst time: 3:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 43 minutes
- Travel time increase: 126%
Denver
- Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 S
- Worst day: Dec. 26
- Worst time: 12:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
- Travel time increase: 97%
Houston
- Worst route: Galveston to Houston via I-45 North
- Worst day: Dec. 23
- Worst time: 5:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
- Travel time increase: 82%
Los Angeles
- Worst route: Los Angeles to Palm Springs via I-10 E
- Worst day: Dec. 26
- Worst time: 5:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 25 minutes
- Travel time increase: 89%
New York
- Worst route: New York to the Hamptons via Long Island Expressway East
- Worst day: Dec. 22
- Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
- Travel time increase: 90%
San Francisco
- Worst route: San Francisco to Sacramento via I-80 E
- Worst day: Dec. 23
- Worst time: 5 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 16 minutes
- Travel time increase: 80%
Washington
- Worst route: Washington to Baltimore via Baltimore-Washington Parkway North
- Worst day: Dec. 20
- Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
- Travel time increase: 133%
