### Record Year-End Holiday Travel Expected as 122 Million Americans Hit the Road The American Automobile Association (AAA) has projected that **122.4 million Americans** will travel at least **50 miles** from home during the year-end holiday period, which spans from **December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026**. This marks a significant increase in travel compared to previous years, driven by a combination of factors including lower gas prices and a strong desire for holiday gatherings. The anticipated travel volume is expected to create heavy road and air traffic, reflecting a robust recovery in the tourism sector post-pandemic. *However, travelers should prepare for potential congestion and delays during this busy season* [https://www.wkdzradio.com/2025/12/25/aaa-expects-record-122-million-americans-to-travel-for-year-end-holidays/news-edge]. ### Breakdown of Travel Projections and Influencing Factors 1. **Travel Volume**: AAA forecasts that **122.4 million Americans** will travel during the holiday season, a record high for year-end travel [https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/us-holiday-travel-to-break-records-in-2025-boosting-tourism-nationwide]. 2. **Travel Duration**: The travel period is defined as **13 days**, from December 20 to January 1, during which many Americans will be visiting family and friends [https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-12-22/holiday-travel-season-is-expected-to-a-set-new-record-for-most-people-traveling]. 3. **Transportation Modes**: The majority of travelers are expected to use personal vehicles, contributing to increased road traffic, while air travel is also anticipated to see a significant uptick [https://www.nbc26.com/news/local-news/2025-holiday-travel-forecast]. 4. **Economic Factors**: Lower gas prices are likely to encourage more road trips, making travel more affordable for families [https://whky.com/increased-holiday-travel-expected-gas-prices-down-according-to-aaa]. ### Supporting Data on Holiday Travel Trends - **Projected Travelers**: **122.4 million** Americans traveling at least **50 miles** from home [https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/12/19/holiday-travel-kicks-off-this-weekend-as-aaa-forecasts-record-breaking-crowds]. - **Travel Period**: December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026 [https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/12/19/california-travel-bay-area-christmas-holiday]. - **Transportation Preferences**: Majority by car, with significant air travel expected [https://www.wrganews.com/2025/12/19/year-end-holiday-travel-expected-to-set-record]. ### Conclusion: A Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Season Ahead In summary, the year-end holiday travel season of 2025 is poised to be unprecedented, with **122.4 million Americans** expected to travel at least **50 miles** from home. This surge in travel is influenced by several factors, including economic conditions and a strong desire for family reunions. 1. **Record Travel Volume**: The projected number of travelers is the highest on record for this period. 2. **Economic Encouragement**: Lower gas prices are making travel more accessible. 3. **Travel Preparedness**: Travelers should anticipate heavy traffic and plan accordingly to avoid delays. As families and friends come together to celebrate the holidays, the travel landscape will reflect a vibrant recovery in the tourism sector [https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/busy-holiday-travel-season-begins-weekend-aaa-expects-millions-hit-road].