AAA Predicts a Record Number of Holiday Travelers

If you plan on hitting the road for the upcoming holidays, you will have plenty of company.

According to the new AAA Year-End Holidays Travel Forecast, about 94.5 million people — nearly 30 percent of Americans — will take a trip of at least 50 miles away from home sometime between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1. Among those travelers, 85.8 million will go by car.

This marks “the fifth consecutive year of increased holiday and year-end travel, as well as the highest travel volume recorded for the season,” says 24/7 Wall St.

“Of all the travel holidays, the year-end holiday season remains the least volatile as Americans will not let economic conditions dictate their travel plans to celebrate the holidays,” AAA chief operating officer Marshall L. Doney told the website.

And, you may save a little money in the process. Gas prices nationwide have taken a slight dip, with the current average being $3.216, says AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

Also, GasBuddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said, “Historically, this is about the time of year that gasoline prices hit their yearly lows, but this time around, I have more optimism that prices may move even lower in the next few weeks.”

All packed up and ready to go? In preparation for your road trip, U.S. News & World Report offers the following tips:

• Inspect and adjust the tire pressure and fluid levels in your vehicle.
• Fill up your gas tank.
• Incorporate down time into your itinerary for rest stop visits.

Last but not least, in order to arrive alive, buckle up, keep your eyes on the road at all times and refrain from drinking and driving.

Do you have any holiday travel tips? Feel free to comment below or share on our Facebook page.