ORLANDO, Fla. – Holiday travel is expected to break records again this year, with more than 122 million Americans projected to be on the move, according to AAA.
“I mean, we’re expecting a record number of travelers for the year-end holidays,” AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said.
Between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, travel numbers are forecast to be nearly 3 million higher than last year. Jenkins attributes this to “steady income growth, moderate inflation, and lower fuel prices,” which are expected to boost holiday travel.
In Florida, about 7.5 million residents are expected to take a trip this season, which is roughly 244,000 more than last year.
“That’s like adding a midsize-city population into the traffic flow. So, you should definitely expect busy roads and long lines at airports,” Jenkins explained.
Airlines are preparing to carry a record of 52 million passengers, but the majority of travelers will be on the roads. Of the 7.5 million Floridians expected to travel, 6.7 million are forecast to drive.
Central Floridians, who already face heavy traffic, are bracing for even more congestion.
“Well, it’s so terrifying because you’ll be on the road for hours. Just try to get home from Orlando to Davenport, where I stay,” driver Chaunte Martin said.
For those stretched thin by holiday expenses, there is some relief at the gas pump.
“The good news, though, is that despite, recent uptick, I would expect gas prices to remain well below what drivers paid this time last year,” Jenkins said.
This weekend will likely be the busiest as people hit the roads Saturday and Sunday, and then next Friday, the day after Christmas, will be when most people make the journey home.
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