LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Nearly one-third of Americans are expecting to travel over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
AAA estimates that 119 million Americans will be traveling over 50 miles from home either on the road, in the air, or by rail. Motorists make up 107 million of the travelers, but airports are expecting to see the biggest increase of people over the last year, even though ticket prices are 4% higher than in 2023.
But travel experts say the positioning of Christmas and New Year's during the week is giving people what they really want during the holidays: time.
Avoid those high travel times, the noon hour, the 5 o'clock hour, that mid-afternoon. Just avoid those times, if possible; definitely don't want to be on the road at that time," suggested Cindy Nelson.
"You know the major holidays being on Wednesday, a lot of people are getting a little bit more extra few days off, so they are getting that full two weeks span, so they can go a little further, stay a little longer. Making that holiday stretch out as much as possible," says Cindy Nelson, AAA Lima.
And time is something you need to give yourself if you are traveling for the holiday.
AAA estimates that 119 million Americans will be traveling over 50 miles from home either on the road, in the air, or by rail.
"We always recommend, make sure you start early. If you can, start earlier in the day; that is when we see the least amount of traffic, late at night as well. Avoid those high travel times, the noon hour, the 5 o'clock hour, that mid-afternoon. Just avoid those times, if possible; definitely don't want to be on the road at that time," adds Nelson.
Nelson says if you are looking for a great last-minute gift, planning a cruise or a trip for 2025 could be the ticket.
