Holiday travel kicks off with millions expected to hit the road

The holiday travel season is about to kick off this weekend, with AAA expecting millions to be on the roads. While 107 million travelers are expected to drive, air travelers will set a new record with over 7 million passengers this season.

Travel Agent Jenn Berry-Youngs, President and Owner of JBY Travel, said this time is not only the busiest time of year…it’s also the most expensive.

Berry-Young said it’s all about being prepared and packing your patience, whether you plan on traveling via car, train, or plane. 

“So make sure to check your travel documents. You want to make sure that your travel documents and your airline tickets match,” she said. “When you get to that airport, if they do not match, then they are not going to let you get on that plane. So check them now if you’re traveling this weekend, call the airline, and check their website.

Regarding rental cars, travel experts say it’s almost always cheaper to book at the last minute versus in advance. But last-minute bus, train, or plane tickets will still be more expensive at the last minute.

Patience will also be required at places like the airport, and experts also say it’s important to remember that all airport employees are trying their best to do their jobs.

Another thing many holiday travelers forget about is how they plan on bringing gifts back home from holiday visits. For larger items, you can always request to have things mailed to your home. But Berry-Young said there are still many instances where a traveler may quickly run out of space and even need to buy more luggage to accommodate.

“Whether you are going there or coming back or bringing back food… If you are traveling internationally, you can’t do that, so pay attention to those rules,” she said. “If you are getting a weapon or anything like that, make sure that you have that secured the way it should be in your checked bag. You want to make sure that you don’t have any batteries that are supposed to be in your checked bag and they are in your carry-on. So there are lots of things to consider when you are packing. When you’re coming home and when you are going there.”

Travel experts also say that travel is expected to boom in 2025. So, travel plans for the February or April break should have already been booked.