AAA predicts record number of holiday travelers, gives travel tips

CHICAGO, Ill. (WIFR) – A record number of Illinoisans are expected to travel between December 21 and January 1.

AAA predicts 6 million Illinois residents will travel at least 50 miles away from home during the holiday season. That is 117,633 more people than the previous record.

Illinois Year-End Holiday Travelers

National Year-End Travelers by Mode

According to AAA, consumer spending has risen nearly 5% as inflation has gone down and employment has gone up, contributing to the larger number of travelers this year.

“Travelers should expect the roads, airports and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal,” says Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “So, finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which provides assistance in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”

Best/Worse Times to Drive

AAA’s road safety tips:

• Follow posted speed limits
• Drive only when alert and refreshed
• Take breaks every two hours and switch drivers if possible
• Slow down and move over when you see an emergency responder on the side of the road

The top domestic destination is Orlando, Florida and the top international destination is Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

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