Unprecedented Holiday Travel: Over 122M Americans Anticipated to Embark
AAA forecasts a record-breaking 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday period from December 20 to January 1. This marks a 2.2% increase over last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. The announcement, released December 18, 2025, signals the strongest holiday travel season in 24 years.
The majority of travelers, approximately 109.5 million, will drive to their destinations, benefiting from gas prices that have fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years. Virginia’s average currently sits at $2.78, down 13 cents in the past month and 12 cents from this time last year.
Air travel is also reaching new heights, with over 8 million Americans flying domestically, a 2.3% increase from last year. However, travelers should prepare for higher costs as domestic flight prices have risen by 7%, averaging nearly $900 per ticket.
The busiest travel days are expected to be December 20 and 21, with significant congestion anticipated on major routes. The worst travel time on Saturday will be noon to 8 p.m., while Sunday travelers are advised to leave before 11 a.m.
Despite economic uncertainty throughout 2025, AAA notes that people have continued to prioritize travel. The week around Christmas is expected to be busier than the week leading up to New Year’s as most people aim to reach their destinations before December 25.