119 million travelers are hitting the road this Christmas — here’s how to beat the rush

Traveling on the holiday itself may save you a few travel headaches.

By Amanda Teague Published December 12, 2024

Traffic Light — Photo provided by Max Pixel Image used with permission by copyright holder

The holiday season is set to bring record-breaking travel numbers, with AAA projecting that 119.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between Saturday, December 21, and Wednesday, January 1. This marks an increase of 3 million travelers compared to last year, highlighting a continued surge in holiday travel.

“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”

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The best and worst times to travel

cars in traffic — Pexels / Pixabay

Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations, making it the most popular mode of travel this season. According to INRIX, a transportation data provider, the worst traffic delays will occur during the weekends leading up to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. However, the actual holidays themselves are expected to have relatively minimal congestion.

“With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”

Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25, Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1 are expected to have the least traffic, with the days surrounding these holidays seeing much busier roads.

AAA’s top holiday destinations

Palm trees in Orlando, Florida — Drew Coffman / Unsplash

Along with their traffic report, AAA also reported the top holiday destinations of 2024. The top domestic locations include:

Orlando, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Miami, Florida
Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
Tampa, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
Honolulu, Hawaii
Charleston, South Carolina
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York, New York

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Destinations

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

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Jackson Hole travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more

A complete guide to this beautiful mountain town

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I haven't seen many destinations as breathtaking as Jackson Hole. Tucked between the towering peaks of the Tetons and the vast wilderness of Yellowstone, this Wyoming gem is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. But long before it became a hotspot for skiers and hikers, people were living here. In fact, archeological evidence shows human presence in Jackson Hole dating back over 11,000 years.

Today, Jackson Hole is known for its world-class skiing and thriving Western culture. No matter why you're in town, this Jackson Hole travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip. From epic slopes to amazing national parks and small-town charm, Jackson Hole has something for everyone. Here's everything you need to know to explore this amazing destination.
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How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

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When it comes to California, the credit tends to go high and low. Up north, there's San Francisco and the Napa Valley wine scene. Down south, the swaying palm trees that frame big cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. But this road trip season, we're advising you to go central.

California's core is full of charming towns, amazing food, and a rugged coastline begging to be photographed. By all means, start central at Yosemite National Park or any number of great wine-growing areas. But be sure to head west and play around in and around the coast, where there are fewer crowds and tons of attractions that appeal to beach bums, hikers, foodies, and cocktail lovers alike. Here's your ultimate guide for a California road trip in Central Cali.
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