Record-breaking number of Americans to travel this holiday season

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — According to AAA, more than 119 million Americans will be traveling for vacation this holiday season, including 700,000 Idahoans, from Dec. 21 to Jan 1. This total squeaks by the record for year-end travel since 2019, by 64,000 people.

“An additional 3 million Americans will dash through chilly weather than a year ago to wrap up 2024 and to ring in 2025,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “No matter how you make your journey, you’ll find big crowds along the way.”

The best times to drive are early mornings on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day. The worst times are Thursday and Friday afternoons, Dec. 19 and Dec 20, as well as Sunday, Dec. 22. For flying, the worst days are Friday, Dec. 20; Sunday, Dec. 29; and Monday, Dec. 30, while the best times are early mornings and Christmas and New Years Day.

“Depending on work and school schedules, families have the flexibility to arrive well ahead of Christmas,” Conde said. “Travel continues to be seen as an investment in quality of life.”

107 million people will be driving by car for the holidays, which is about 90% of all travelers; it is 2.5 million more than last year. A new record has been set with nearly 8 million people flying, marking a 4.7% increase from last year.

“With modest increases in hotel rates and airfares, few will be deterred from their long-awaited holiday adventure,” Conde said. “For those who have used most of their year-end discretionary income for travel, treats, and Christmas presents, there are still plenty of low-cost activities when you arrive, such as good food, football, and checking out holiday light displays.”

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