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.

December 18, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Transportation: Montgomery County (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) – I-75 north will be subject to right lane closures later this week between Needmore Road and Leo Street as part of the ongoing construction project. On the morning of Thursday, December 19, I-75 northbound will be subject to right lane closures starting at 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The contractor will be repairing guardrail ahead of holiday travel. This date is expected, but all work is weather and temperature dependent.

November 11, 2024, press release from the Armstrong Air & Space Museum: WAPAKONETA, OHIO – On Friday, Governor Mike DeWine’s office announced the re-appointment of Armstrong Air & Space Museum curator and communications director, Logan Rex, to the TourismOhio Advisory Board. Rex will serve on the board for an additional three years, having previously been appointed to a one year term last September. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue serving the people of Ohio in this role,” says Rex. “I would like to thank Governor DeWine and his office for their continued support and trust in my ability to help promote Ohio as the heart of it all. I encourage everyone, residents and visitors alike, to take a deeper dive and explore all the amazing experiences the Buckeye State has to offer.”

October 7, 2024, Press Release from the Allen County Clerk of Courts: Effective, October 21, 2024, the Allen County Title Department will commence executing out of state inspections of motor vehicles, travel trailers, and ATV’s purchased outside of Ohio. Effective, November 1, 2024, the Allen County Title Department will become a U.S. Passport Processing Facility. Application for a Passport as well as passport photographs will be two new convenient services offered by the Allen County Clerk of Courts, Title Division. No appointment will be necessary to apply for a Passport. Passports will be processed Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Some may not believe it, but the numbers show that Lima Allen County is a destination spot for people outside of the city and the county. The executive director of Visit Greater Lima spoke to Lima Rotarians about what attractions bring people to the city. Highlighted were the Allen County Museum, parks, and the revitalization of downtown Lima attractions, among many others. Whether it's stopping for a tank of gas, a meal, or an overnight stay, they all have an economic impact. Their goal is to attract people from three to four hours away who come in and stay the night, which helps support local businesses.

This week, the summer travel season kicks off, and AAA is expecting a high number of people hitting the road and the skies for Memorial Day weekend. They are predicting that nearly 44 million people will be traveling 50 miles or more this week for the holiday. That includes 1.6 million Ohioans. That is a 4% increase over last year's numbers. AAA says that this weekend could match and possibly beat the record set back in 2005, and travel experts suggest checking your car out before you leave and making sure you give yourself some extra time to get to where you are going.