AAA predicts record travel numbers for the 2024 Christmas season

Indianapolis, Indiana – Traveling for Christmas or New Year’s? You’ll be in good company.
AAA forecasts an unprecedented surge in holiday travel from December 21 to January 1, anticipating that 119.3 million individuals across the country will journey at least 50 miles.
Approximately 2.8 million residents of Indiana will be included in this group.

“We anticipate that this year will break previous records for travelers, exceeding the high set in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Christina Griffiths from AAA Hoosier Motor Club. This year, Christmas is on a Wednesday, which may lead to a rise in the number of travelers. A greater number of individuals have the option to travel during the weekend preceding or following the holiday.

Griffiths noted that approximately 90% of travelers are expected to drive, which includes 2.57 million residents of Indiana. Gas prices have decreased compared to last year and are anticipated to stay at this level until early January.

AAA noted that gas demand usually declines in December, as more individuals work from home and consumers prefer online shopping over in-person visits.

Sunday, Dec. 22, is expected to be the most congested day on the highways, with heavy traffic anticipated in the afternoon and early evening.

As drivers celebrate the drop in gas prices, air travelers are bracing for higher costs. AAA reported that prices for domestic flights have risen by 4% compared to the previous year, while hotel rates have increased by 1% and rental car costs have surged by 8%. International travel is expected to experience a 7% increase.

The leading domestic travel hotspots are as follows:

• Orlando, Fla.
• Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Miami
• Anaheim/Los Angeles
• Tampa, Fla.
• Las Vegas
• Honolulu
• Charleston, S.C.
• New Orleans
• New York

The leading international and Caribbean destinations are as follows:

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Mexicau, Mexico
• Cancun, Mexico
• Bahrain, Bahrain
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• San Jose, Costa Rica
• San Juan/Puerto Rico
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• London, England

AAA has outlined the holiday travel period for its 2024 forecast, which spans 12 days from Saturday, Dec. 21, to Wednesday, Jan. 1. The holiday travel period this year extended by two additional days compared to last year.