The American Automobile Association (AAA) warned this week that it’s projecting the busiest holiday travel season ever.
AAA has forecast some 115.2 million travelers will hit the road—up 2.2%, or an additional 2.5 million travelers, compared to last year.
A record number of Americans—some 7.5 million—will also fly over the next week, according to AAA.
“More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places,” noted Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, who added that the figures are in line with those the agency had observed throughout 2023.
In fact, the forecast for this Christmas season follows record travel levels this past Thanksgiving of 5.3 million by air and by 55.5 million car. That figured exceeded a previous record set on June 30—the Friday ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend.
The record travel also comes as AAA is noting gas prices averaging around $3.13 per gallon across the country—down 9 cents from last week’s average and at nearly its lowest point for the entire year.
Experts expect the downward trend in oil prices, currently around $70 a barrel, to continue due to an expected 7% cut in gas consumption this winter as El Niño brings warmer temperatures in the coming months.
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