A total of 72.2 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6. This is 1.7 million more than last year and 7 million more than in 2019. Out of those, 61.6 million will travel by car, marking a 2.2% increase over 2024 and the highest volume recorded to date. To better reflect travel patterns over the holiday period, AAA’s forecast includes two weekends instead of one.

The busiest travel days, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, will be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, especially during afternoon hours. Driving earlier in the morning is advised to avoid high congestion.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”

While gas prices have seen slight increases, they remain the lowest since 2021, thanks to stable crude oil prices. Although recent tensions in the Middle East have modestly affected oil prices, experts suggest that the conflict’s escalation and duration will determine further changes.

Travelers should also stay alert to weather conditions. NOAA forecasts a 60% chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, with potential storms affecting the Gulf Coast. Hurricanes could disrupt oil refineries, temporarily impacting fuel deliveries and prices.

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AAA forecasts that 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. Most of those travelers—an estimated 39.4 million—will be on the road. That’s 1 million more drivers than last year, and it sets a new Memorial Day travel record, beating the 44 million benchmark set in 2005.

Despite inflation and rising everyday costs, Americans are still making time to connect with family and friends this holiday.

“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” explained Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.”

Driving remains the go-to travel choice, with roughly 87% of travelers choosing the road over other transportation methods.

Truckers may find some relief at the pump this year. While the average price for regular gas was $3.59 per gallon last Memorial Day, this year’s prices are less volatile thanks to lower crude oil costs. Still, with Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, fuel demand is expected to climb, which could push prices up slightly in the coming weeks.

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With so many people on the move, drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, avoid peak traffic hours, and expect heavier congestion in popular travel corridors. Whether hauling freight or headed out for delivery, it’ll be essential for truckers to stay patient and alert during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends.

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According to AAA, about 119.3 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between December 21 and January 1. This year’s travel numbers are just shy of the 2019 record, with only 64,000 more people expected to hit the road compared to that year. And if you thought last year was crowded, AAA predicts there will be an extra 3 million travelers this time around.

Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, explains, “This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that. This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”

Why So Many People Are Driving

For the majority of travelers—around 107 million—hitting the road in their own vehicles is the preferred choice. That’s 2.5 million more drivers compared to last year. While it’s not quite as high as the record of 108 million drivers in 2019, it’s still a huge number.

One reason for this surge in car travel could be the drop in gas prices. Last year, the average price per gallon was around $3.12. This year, lower seasonal gas prices, thanks to colder weather, more people working remotely, and a jump in online shopping, make driving a bit more affordable and appealing.

Expect Heavy Traffic on Key Days

If you’re driving, prepare for delays, especially on the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s. But don’t worry—the holidays themselves should see lighter traffic. Cities like Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC are expected to experience significant congestion, with delays that could be double the usual. Nationwide, travel times might stretch up to 30% longer than normal.

As Bob Pishue, an analyst at INRIX, puts it, “With a near-record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, Dec. 22 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel. Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”

Tips for a Smoother Ride

As you get ready to hit the road, it’s smart to plan ahead. Keep an eye on traffic patterns, avoid the busiest times, and give yourself a little extra time to get where you need to go. Most importantly, stay safe out there, and enjoy making those lasting memories with your loved ones this holiday season.

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AAA anticipates an astonishing 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with the majority choosing to hit the roads. According to their latest forecast, 71.7 million travelers will be driving, marking a new all-time high. This is a 1.3 million increase compared to last year and even surpasses pre-pandemic figures, which stood at 70.6 million in 2019.

Lower Gas Prices Fuel Road Trips

One reason for the surge in road travel may be the decline in gas prices. Gas is expected to be cheaper than it was during Thanksgiving last year when the national average was $3.26 per gallon. Thanks to falling oil prices, AAA predicts the national average could dip below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021. Drivers in more than 12 states east of the Rockies could enjoy prices ranging from $2.25 to $2.50 per gallon.

Bonding Over Travel

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. She emphasized the importance of travel during this holiday for bringing families together and noted that “AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

Extended Travel Forecast

For the first time, AAA’s travel forecast accounts for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday afterward. This adjustment captures the full holiday travel pattern and highlights nearly 80 million people hitting the roads, skies, and waterways—a significant jump of 1.7 million compared to 2023 and 2 million more than 2019’s numbers.

Best and Worst Times to Travel

Transportation analytics company, INRIX, warns of peak driving hours over Thanksgiving:

• Worst Times to Travel: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are expected to see the heaviest traffic.

• Best Time to Drive: Thanksgiving Day itself is generally the clearest for highways and interstates.

Travelers returning home on Sunday should leave early in the morning to avoid delays. For those heading back on Monday, the roads may be busier due to the mix of travelers and work commuters.

“With a record number of travelers expected to be on the road, drivers should follow traffic apps and local news alerts to avoid major delays,” said Bob Pishue, INRIX transportation analyst. “This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan hubs like Boston, New York City, LA, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., where congestion could more than double compared to typical days.”

Plan Ahead for a Smoother Journey

With record-breaking travel expected, preparation is key. AAA and INRIX recommend keeping an eye on traffic updates, leveraging navigation apps, and planning travel times strategically to avoid the worst congestion. Whether you’re driving across the country or a short distance, getting ahead of delays will be crucial for an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

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