Record Number of Travelers Predicted for This Holiday Season

Can you believe that the holiday season is almost over?

It seems like just yesterday we were watching holiday decorations come into the Disney World parks before Halloween! Since the holidays are quickly approaching, that means that lots of Americans are traveling soon — here’s what to expect!

This holiday season is set to be one of the busiest according to predictions from AAA. 112.7 million people are estimated to travel 50 miles or more away from home between December 23rd and January 2nd. That’s a lot of travelers!

Crowds at Orlando International Airport (2021)

These are looking more like pre-pandemic numbers and it is an increase of 3.6 million people since last year. 2022 is expected to set a record as the third busiest holiday travel season since AAA began tracking them in 2000.

Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel, noted that travel time will be extended since Christmas and New Year’s fall on the weekends this year. She said, “With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return.”

AAA also says 102 million Americans are driving to their destination. This is an increase of 2 million drivers compared to 2021, despite everything that has happened with gas prices this year.

Air travel is increasing by 14% with 7.2 million people set to fly. Be prepared for crowds if you’re headed to the airport!

AAA said “other modes of transportation are also rebounding in a big way.” Travel by bus, train, and cruise ship are increasing to 3.6 million this year which is a 23% increase from 2021.

If you’re traveling this holiday season, take a deep breath. There will be a lot of crowds — check out these tips to save yourself from a travel nightmare. Plus, we’ve got tips for dealing with a busy airport!