AAA expects 98.6 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home during the end of year, an increase of four percent from the 94.8 million people who traveled in 2013.
This trend marks the highest forecast growth rate for the holiday season since 2009 and the highest travel volume for the holiday period on record.
"'Tis the season for holiday travel, and this year more Americans will join with friends and family to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA President and Chief Operating Officer. "While the economy continues to improve at an uneven pace, it seems more Americans are looking forward with increasing consumer confidence, rather than looking back at the recession. This is helping to drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have seen for the year-end holidays."
Top US destinations for the holidays according to a WalletHub survey include:
1. New York
2. Las Vegas
3. Greater Orlando, FL
4. Greater Los Angeles
5. San Francisco
Top International Destinations include:
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. London
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
5. Paris
The calendar is having a big impact on the expected number of travels this year. Christmas lands on a Thursday this year, creating a holiday travel season that is longer than last year's and the longest since 2008. This allows for more options for departures and return trips.
The end of the year holiday period is December 23 to January 4, according to the AAA.
"Lower gas prices are filling stockings with a little more cash to spend on travel this year as travelers are expected to pay the lowest prices since 2009," continued Doney. "Lower prices are increasing disposable income and enabling families to set aside money for travel this year."
The national average price of gas is at the lowest level in five years and 69 cents lower than in 2013. Gas prices have dropped 81 days in a row.
AAA expects to help out more than 1.1 million motorists from December 23 and January 4 for a number of issues like dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.
AAA warns all motorists check battery and tire condition and prepare vehicles before going anywhere.
Average discounted round-trip airfares for 40 top domestic routes are expected to drop seven percent this year to $186, according to AAA. This is influenced by the availability of discounted rates from low-cost carriers.
Travels should always consider the full cost of a ticket when purchasing air travel, since many airlines charge fees for checked bags, seat assignments and meals.
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