The 2024 holiday season is shaping up to be one for the record books, as AAA projects a significant surge in travel across the United States. This year, more people are expected to travel than in any holiday season since 2019, with a projected 119.3 million individuals heading out on trips between Saturday, December 21, and Wednesday, January 1. This figure narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers, highlighting an upward trend in holiday travel as people return to enjoying family vacations and festive getaways.
A notable increase of 3 million travelers from last year indicates that post-pandemic travel is continuing to rebound strongly. While the majority of travelers are choosing the convenience of driving, air and cruise travel are also expected to reach new highs.
The most popular mode of travel continues to be by car, with nearly 90% of holiday travelers – a total of approximately 107 million people – expected to hit the road. Although this number is slightly shy of the 2019 record of 108 million, it represents an increase of 2.5 million car travelers compared to the previous year. AAA anticipates that this surge in car travel will lead to heavier traffic, particularly during peak travel days around Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Air travel is also projected to see a historic rise, with 7.85 million people expected to fly this holiday season. This marks a slight increase from last year’s previous record of 7.5 million air travelers, underscoring the growing demand for flights during the holiday period. However, travelers should brace for higher prices this year, as airfare costs have risen. Domestic flights are averaging $830, a 4% increase from 2023, while international fares are up 13%, averaging $1,630.
Cruise and train travel are also on the rise, with an estimated 4.47 million people set to travel via these modes. This represents a 10% increase from last year, with domestic cruises seeing a particularly notable uptick, up 37% from last holiday season. The growth in cruise bookings reflects the appeal of all-inclusive vacation options, which provide a unique way to explore new destinations during the busy holiday period.
When it comes to destinations, warm-weather spots continue to dominate the rankings for both domestic and international travelers. In the U.S., cities like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are topping the charts, along with popular West Coast destinations like Los Angeles and Honolulu. Other notable domestic hot spots include Tampa, Las Vegas, New York City, and Charleston, S.C. These cities attract millions of visitors seeking sunshine, theme parks, and festive experiences.
On the international front, destinations such as Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and London are drawing large crowds. Other notable international favorites include Bahrain, Aruba, and Costa Rica, where travelers are looking for sun, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, emphasized that the holiday season is a time for creating lifelong memories with family and friends, and travel plays a big role in making that happen. She noted that with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday this year, the travel window extends across both weekends, likely contributing to the record-breaking numbers expected in the days surrounding the holiday.
As families and friends embark on their holiday journeys, the surge in travel is a testament to the enduring appeal of spending time with loved ones, whether it’s through long road trips, flights to distant destinations, or relaxing cruises. The 2024 holiday season is poised to be a memorable one for millions, as travel continues to rebound and evolve in the post-pandemic world.