AAA expects busy holiday travel season

Ohioans have been traveling a lot this holiday season, according to AAA, which says this year’s end-of-year travel numbers are higher than last year’s.

“If there is one thing we have seen at AAA throughout the year, it is pent-up demand for travel,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager for AAA, in a press release. Whether people are hitting the road for a visit with friends and family, or planning a more significant getaway, there is little discouraging them.”

In particular, AAA expects seasonal travel to be particularly busy from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1 across all methods of transportation.

They expect a total of 4.9 million Ohioans to travel during this time period, which they say is 2.9% higher than last year’s numbers and sets an overall record even including pre-pandemic data.

Of those travelers, they expect 4.47 million Buckeyes will be driving to their destination and that 279,000 will be flying, “making it the busiest travel year since AAA began keeping track.”

These are not the only methods of transportation, though, They expect 186,000 Ohioans will be using other methods of transport—such as buses, trains or cruises—during this time period.

“That is a 10% increase over last year but trails behind 2003 numbers by 64,500,” the release reads. “That record was 250,616.”

Nationally, they expect 119.3 million people to travel 50 miles or more during the holiday time period.

If you’re not driving an EV, you won’t get very far without a full tank. AAA notes that gas prices nationally are around $3.03, with Ohio at approximately $3.

Around the holidays in 2023, they say “AAA Emergency Assistance Crews responded to more than 843,534 calls from Members across the country, including more than 27,600 in Ohio.”

They also highlight the Move Over law, which states drivers need to show caution and shift lanes (if possible) when a public safety vehicle is showing its emergency lights.

AAA also offered the following six tips they say increase your safety and reduce your stress when it comes to travel:

• Work with a trusted travel advisor
• Book a vehicle checkup today
• Expect delays and plan accordingly
• Consider travel insurance
• Download the airline’s app
• Map out your driving route

“Imagine waking up early to catch a flight only to discover your car does not start, or experiencing a breakdown while traveling a busy highway with a car full of kids,” Hitchens said in the release. “Always travel with a fully-charged cellphone and program the AAA call center number or download the app so you will know who to contact in the event of a roadside emergency.”