AAA: More Americans Than Ever to Travel Between Christmas and New Year’sAAA is forecasting another historic surge in year-end holiday travel, with more than 122 million Americans expected to take to the roads, skies, and seas in the final days of 2025. AAA booking data shows that travelers are once again gravitating toward sunny, warm locations. Florida leads the list of domestic destinations, claiming four of the top 10 spots, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa.

AAA is forecasting another historic surge in year-end holiday travel, with more than 122 million Americans expected to take to the roads, skies, and seas in the final days of 2025.

According to the travel organization’s latest outlook, an estimated 122.4 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking holiday travel. The projection represents a 2.2% increase over last year, when 119.7 million Americans traveled during the same period.

AAA officials say the substantial numbers reflect a continued desire to reconnect with family and friends, while also escaping to vacation destinations — particularly warmer climates.

“Year-end travel blends everything from family road trips to tropical getaways,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “No matter how people celebrate, travel remains a central part of the holiday experience.”

Roads expected to be Busiest

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation this holiday season. AAA projects 109.5 million travelers will hit the road, accounting for nearly nine out of every 10 holiday travelers. That figure is up about 2% from last year.

Lower gasoline prices are helping fuel the increase. The national average cost for gas has dropped below $3 per gallon, down from about $3.04 during the 2024 holiday season, making road trips more affordable for many families.

Traffic analysts warn that congestion will peak during Christmas week, particularly the weekend before Christmas and on Dec. 26, when travelers begin heading home. In contrast, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are typically the lightest traffic days of the holiday period.

Air travel also sets a Record

Airports are bracing for their own surge, with 8.03 million Americans expected to travel by domestic flights — the first time year-end holiday air travel is projected to exceed 8 million passengers.

That total represents a 2.3% increase from 2024. Travelers should also expect higher ticket prices, as AAA reports domestic round-trip fares are averaging 7% more than last year. Flights leading up to Christmas are the most expensive, while flying on the holiday itself tends to be cheaper. New Year’s Day return flights are expected to be among the priciest.

Cruises, trains and buses on the rise

Other forms of travel are also gaining popularity. About 4.9 million people are projected to use buses, trains or cruise ships — a 9% increase from last year. AAA attributes much of that growth to the continued boom in cruise demand, which has climbed sharply since the pandemic.

Warm Destinations Dominate Wish Lists

AAA booking data shows travelers are once again gravitating toward sunny and warm locations. Florida leads the list of domestic destinations, claiming four of the top 10 spots, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa.

The top domestic destinations for the holidays include:

■ Orlando, Florida

■ Fort Lauderdale, Florida

■ Miami, Florida

■ Anaheim/Los Angeles, California

■ Honolulu, Hawaii

■ Tampa, Florida

■ New York City

■ Maui, Hawaii

■ Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

■ Las Vegas, Nevada

International travel is largely focused on Caribbean islands and Mexican resort towns, with Cancun ranking first overall.

The top international destinations include:

■ Cancun, Mexico

■ Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

■ Cozumel, Mexico

■ San José, Costa Rica

■ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

■ San Juan, Puerto Rico

■ Nassau, Bahamas

■ Rome, Italy

■ Oranjestad, Aruba

■ Sydney, Australia

AAA said its projections were developed in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence, using economic and travel data to estimate holiday travel volume. With record numbers expected once again, travelers are encouraged to plan, allow extra time, and prepare for busy roads and airports throughout the holiday season.