Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A record number of holiday travelers are expected to close out 2024.

AAA says end-of-year travelers should expect roads, airports and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal.

The year-end holiday period is defined from this Saturday, December 21st to Wednesday, January 1st.

AAA predicts 3.8 million Michiganders will travel 50 miles or more from home. That’s 98,000 more travelers than the previous record high, set last year.

Nationwide, AAA expects 3 million more travelers than last year - an estimated 119 million - which narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019.

Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel.

AAA says road travel is expected to set new records in Michigan, with more than 3.4 million Michiganders forecast to take a road trip. That’s 77,000 more road trippers than last year.

AAA Michigan Spokeswoman Adrienne Woodland told WHMI the year-end holidays are always really busy but they’re seeing record-breaking numbers this year, both nationally and in the state. For road trips, she said “Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide. Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, and holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person.”

Nationally, AAA expects air travel to also set a new record this holiday season. Nearly 7.9 million people are forecast to take at least one domestic flight.

For those who are traveling for the year-end holidays, AAA recommends finalizing travel plans and allowing extra time to get to destinations. The Auto Club further suggests travel insurance - which provides assistance in the event that winter weather or something unexpected interferes with plans.

AAA said various factors are influencing this year’s travel forecast. Travel volume is being driven by consumer spending as inflation continues to moderate; strong employment continues to drive rising wages and with inflation leveling off, consumers are expected to spend nearly 5% more than last year as incomes rise at a similar level; and economic growth continues to remain steady.