Record Holiday Travel Predicted for 2024 Year-End

AAA predicts a record-breaking 119.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the 2024 year-end holiday period, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This increase is driven by lower gas prices, strong consumer confidence, and a longer travel period due to Christmas and Hanukkah falling mid-week. Nearly 107 million people are expected to travel by car, benefiting from gas prices averaging around $3.03 per gallon, while air travel is set to reach a new high with 7.85 million travelers, despite a 4% increase in domestic airfares. Major cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, DC, could experience significant traffic delays, particularly on weekends before Christmas and New Year's. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and consider travel insurance to mitigate potential disruptions.