Experts offer tips ahead of busy holiday travel weekend

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The American Automobile Association (AAA) is predicting one the busiest travel seasons in years, and experts are offering tips on how to stay safe and make traveling less stressful.

According to AAA, more than 119 million Americans will be traveling more than 50 miles, either by road or sky, between December 21 and January 1. This surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000.

According to AAA, most people will be driving, and there are some things they can do to make thing a little easier. For example, leaving earlier can make a difference.

“The best time to travel is before 11 a.m. or before 2 p.m. on weekends,” Brynna Knapp with AAA said. “If you can be flexible with your plans, work from home at someone’s house, jump on the road early, that’s great. The worst traffic is going to be the Sunday after Christmas, December 29, around 4 p.m., so if you’re coming west from Wisconsin, you’re going to see a 46% jump in traffic.”

Knapp said gas prices are lower this year, although there has been a slight increase in the Rochester area.

“Rochester is actually sitting at $2.96 per gallon,” she said. “So, we even saw a spike from last week, it was $2.85. We see this seasonal bump around Christmastime. You should see those gas prices go down post-holiday season.”

Knapp said AAA is also forecasting 7.85 million flyers this Christmas season. She advises people get to the airports early and be patient.

Minnesota State Patrol has extra troopers on the roads the entire months of December to help with extra enforcement.

“Check 511 and the destination roadways to see what they are going to be like to make sure you will get there safely,” Sgt. Troy Christianson said. “Allow yourself enough time and stopping distance and get rid of distractions.”

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