The Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car This Holiday Season
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, a record-breaking number of travelers are expected to hit the roads, skies, and rails. According to AAA’s year-end holiday travel forecast, over 119 million people in the U.S. will journey at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1, surpassing the previous high set in 2019.
Here’s what you need to know to navigate the holiday travel rush smoothly and avoid the most congested times on the road.
A Busy Holiday Travel Season
With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, both weekends before and after the holiday will see heavy travel activity. Mark Schieldrop, spokesperson for AAA Northeast, noted, “We continue to see demand for travel soar at this time of year as Americans visit family and friends or explore new destinations.”
In Massachusetts alone, AAA predicts that 2.3 million residents will travel:
- 1.9 million will drive
- 249,000 will fly
- 71,000 will use other forms of transportation, such as buses, trains, or cruises
Air Travel Hits New Records
Nationally, air travel is expected to reach an all-time high, with 7.85 million passengers flying during the holiday season. That’s an increase from last year’s record of 7.5 million.
However, the cost of flights has risen:
- Domestic flights are 4% more expensive than last year, averaging $830 per ticket.
- International flights have seen a 13% increase, averaging $1,630 per ticket.
Driving Remains the Top Choice
Despite the increase in air travel, the vast majority of holiday travelers—nearly 90%—will take to the roads. AAA estimates that 107 million people will drive, up 2.5 million from last year but just shy of the 2019 record of 108 million.
The Best and Worst Times to Drive
If you’re driving in the Boston area, timing is everything:
- Worst time to travel: Friday, Dec. 20, at 3:45 p.m., particularly on Route 3 heading from Boston to Hyannis.
- Best time to travel: Early mornings or late evenings, when traffic is typically lighter.
According to INRIX, a traffic analytics company, proper planning can save you hours of frustration.
Gas Prices Bring Some Relief
One bright spot for road trippers: gas prices are lower than last year.
- As of Dec. 18, the national average for regular gas was $3.03.
- In Massachusetts, the average price was $3.02, compared to $3.12 during the same period in 2023.
Alternative Modes of Travel
Other forms of transportation are also seeing an uptick. AAA reports that 4.47 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise—marking the highest number in 20 years.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip
With so many people traveling, patience and preparation will be key. Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying to your destination, consider these tips:
- Leave early to avoid peak traffic times.
- Monitor weather conditions for potential delays.
- Use navigation apps to find alternate routes if you encounter traffic jams.
By planning ahead and staying informed, you can make your holiday travel as stress-free as possible and focus on enjoying the season with family and friends.
