A record number of travelers will be taking to the roads, skies, and seas this holiday season, according to the latest year-end travel report from AAA – The Auto Club Group.
The report projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
Brian Ortner, AAA spokesman for the west north central region, which includes Nebraska, said the area will see over 9.2 million traveling at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. This marks a 1% increase over last year and continues the growing trend for year-end travel in the region.
Nationally, 109.5 million are projected to travel by car and 8 million by plane (both up 2% from 2024). Other modes of transport will be enjoyed by 4.9 million travelers, such as buses, trains, and cruise ships (up 9% from 2024).
Locally, 8.4 million are projected to travel by car and nearly 400,000 by plane (an increase of 0.5% and 4%, respectively). Around 380,000 will be taking other modes of transport (up 9.4% from last year).
Driving is the overwhelming favorite among all modes of transportation because of its convenience and low cost, said Ortner. This year, 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips.
Those travelers hitting the road will see favorable gas prices compared to last year, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years. The average price per gallon across Nebraska $2.66, a dip of around $0.10 from 2024.
Christmas week is forecast to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, according to Ortner, but both weeks will see days of increased traffic. Interstates will be more congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday. Friday, Dec. 26, is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day. Because the year-end holiday travel period spans a longer time frame, Ortner added, travelers have more options for departures and returns.
The full AAA report is available below.