Millions expected to travel for holidays

LUDLOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – With less than 48 hours to go until Christmas, millions of people around the country are in the midst of traveling to their holiday destinations.

And according to AAA, the majority of them will be by car.

Western Mass News spoke with travelers throughout the day Monday.

The temperatures may have been freezing, but with Christmas and Hanukkah just two days away, that did not stop people from driving to their destinations.

So, what is the worst time of day to travel right now?

AAA says the five hour stretch between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday was predicted to be the worst time to travel.

The good news — after that, they say to expect minimal traffic impact on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

In all, 107 million people across the country are expected to drive, which is an increase of 2.5 million compared to last year.

Now, Western Mass News checked out the Ludlow plaza, which is a rest area on both sides of the Mass Pike.

We caught up with drivers on the Eastbound side who tell us they are making sure they get to where they need to be before the holiday rush really kicks into high gear.

One of those drivers going to Concord in eastern Mass. to be with family and extended family.

She tells Western Mass News she was not concerned about any potential traffic.

“It’s not that long a drive. We’ll be alright, and we’ll be chatting the whole way,” explained Montserrat Archbald.

Nothing like having a good conversation to pass the time.

Once Christmas is over, AAA says you’ll want to hit the roads early in the day.

They say the busiest times to return from your holiday destinations will be during the afternoons and early evenings over the five day stretch after Christmas.

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