LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) \u2013 AAA says this year\u2019s holiday travel season is on track to be the busiest on record, with millions of Michiganders heading out to close out 2025.<\/p>\n
Nationwide, AAA projects about 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday period, which runs from December 20 through January 1. In Michigan alone, nearly four million people are expected to travel.<\/p>\n
\u201cNationwide, we\u2019re expecting about 122 million Americans to travel. In Michigan, we\u2019re expecting nearly 4 million Michiganders will travel for the year-end holidays,\u201d said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA \u2013 The Auto Club Group.<\/p>\n
Most of those trips will be by car. AAA says drivers should expect the heaviest congestion in the days leading up to Christmas, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe busiest days for road travel ahead of Christmas are pretty much December 20th through December 23rd,\u201d Woodland said. \u201cParticularly between the hours of about 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.\u201d<\/p>\n
AAA recommends drivers prepare their vehicles ahead of time by checking tires, brakes, batteries, and fluids, and to slow down during winter weather conditions.<\/p>\n
Air travel is also expected to reach record levels, with AAA forecasting more than eight million domestic air travelers nationwide, the first time that number has topped eight million during the year-end holidays. AAA says the days leading up to Christmas are typically the busiest and most expensive to fly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the winter weather and the heavy air traffic that will be out there, it increases the risk of delays and cancellations,\u201d Woodland said, adding that travel insurance can help cover unexpected disruptions.<\/p>\n
There is some relief at the pump for drivers. AAA says Michigan gas prices are averaging about $2.73 a gallon, the lowest seen all year and well below last Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe state average is around about $2.73 a gallon,\u201d Woodland said. \u201cThat\u2019s the lowest price we\u2019ve seen so far this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
AAA is also bringing back its Tow to Go program to help prevent impaired driving during the holidays. The free service runs from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through 6 a.m. on January 2 and is available to both members and non-members.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe holiday season is certainly a time for joy and celebration,\u201d Woodland said, \u201cbut it also carries a greater risk for impaired driving.\u201d<\/p>\n