Overview
- AAA expects about 109.5 million people to drive between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, helped by average gas prices under $3 a gallon.
- More than 8 million are projected to fly, up about 2.3% from 2024, with domestic round-trip fares roughly 7% higher this year.
- Travel by bus, train and cruise is forecast to rise around 9%, with that category up 25% since 2019 due largely to cruise demand.
- Orlando ranks as the top U.S. destination, with several other Florida cities in AAA’s top 10.
- AAA and INRIX say Christmas week will be busier for drivers, advising against afternoon and early-evening departures, and TxDOT in San Antonio has temporarily lifted some I-35 closures with work resuming the week of Jan. 5.