Winter holiday travel to set new record—Here are the best and worst times

This winter holiday season, more Americans than ever are expected to travel, with new records set for both road and air travel.

How Americans Will Travel During the Holidays

The AAA projects that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period, which typically runs between December 20 and January 1. This is over 2 percent more than last year’s record. 

Most of those travelers—about 89 percent—will choose to hit the road, with 109.5 million expected to travel by car. 

Air travel is also expected to set a new record, with nearly 8.03 million passengers anticipated, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise—a 9 percent jump from last year.

Domestic travel costs are also up, with round-trip flights averaging $890 (a 7 percent increase), and hotel stays averaging $750 (up 13 percent) for the season. However, international flights have dropped in price, now averaging $1,400, which is 14 percent cheaper than last year. 

Worst and Best Times To Drive Over the Winter Holiday Period

Traffic data shows that congestion will spike the weekend before Christmas, making timing essential for drivers. USA Today reported that INRIX, an analytics firm, forecast that the busiest travel days before Christmas Day will be Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, with peak traffic expected between noon and 8 p.m. for the former. From Sunday December 21 to Tuesday December 23, peak traffic is expected to hit between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The worst times to drive during the holidays are expected to be during these afternoon and early evening hours. The best times to travel are, therefore, likely to be early in the morning or after peak hours.

After Christmas Day, the worst day to travel will be on the 26th, specifically between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Top Holiday Destinations for Winter

Booking data from the AAA highlights that Americans are flocking to warmer regions for their winter holidays. The top domestic destinations are Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Anaheim/Los Angeles, and Honolulu. Internationally, resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico are favored, with Cancun, Punta Cana, Cozumel, and San Jose (Costa Rica) among the most booked spots.

What People Are Saying

Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead. Book early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and think about travel insurance if you’re flying during winter weather. It’s the best way to protect both your trip and your peace of mind.” 

What Happens Next

Travel experts underline the importance of flexibility, patience, and early departures to avoid the worst travel headaches. The AAA encourages travelers to keep up with weather forecasts, consider travel insurance, and allow for extra time in schedules as demand and potential winter storms converge this year.