American Automobile Association Projects Record Holiday Travel
Over 115.2 Million Travelers Over 10-day Year End Travel Period
According to projections by American Automobile Association, 115.2 Million travelers will take 50 mile or longer trips over year-end holiday travel period, according to AAA estimates.

This year’s total domestic traveler count saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase and ranks as AAA’s second highest year-end travel forecast since 2000 when they started tracking holiday travel. Christmas and New Year travel has never been busier with over 119 million travelers expected in 2019.

“AA Travel’s year-end holiday forecast of an increase of 2.5 million travelers over last year mirrors what they have observed throughout 2023,” according to Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President at AAA Travel. “Americans are making travel an investment, regardless of cost, in order to create memories with loved ones and explore new places.”

AAA anticipates nearly 104 million drivers will hit the roads to reach their holiday destinations this holiday season, an increase of 1.8% over 2022 and second only to 2019’s estimated 108 million drivers hitting the roads for celebration. By 2023’s end, motorists can anticipate paying about the same or less per gallon than last holiday season when average Christmas Day and New Year’s Day prices were $3.10 and $3.20, respectively.

Airports are projected to experience their busiest Christmas and New Year’s travel period ever in 2019. AAA predicts 7.5 million air travelers this holiday season, breaking last year’s record of 7.3 million passengers. Average ticket prices have also seen some decrease.

AAA booking data shows the average roundtrip ticket to Orlando this holiday season is currently $613, down from its predecessor of $735 in 2022. A roundtrip ticket to Las Vegas now stands at $508 compared to $705 last year. As for nonstop flights with seat selection options, “AAA recommends booking well in advance to protect your investment with travel insurance”, said Twidale.

AAA projects that the number of people taking alternative transportation modes such as bus, train and cruise will surpass 2019 this holiday season and New Year’s. AAA anticipates over 4 million American’s will use alternative forms of transport between Christmas and New Year’s compared to 3.66 million in 2022 and 3.89 million in 2019.

Demand for cruises has skyrocketed since the pandemic and now that 2019 has started, industry players are anticipating an influx of bookings at the beginning of each new year.

Top Year-End Holiday Destinations for 2018

This holiday season, many travelers are heading to warm-weather destinations like Florida and the Caribbean; tourist hotspots such as New York and Las Vegas; as well as European cities like London and Rome. AAA flight booking data shows the top domestic and international travel destinations. Here is their top list.