If you are planning to head home for the holidays, expect plenty of company. AAA projects that a historic 122.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between December 20 and January 1, setting a new all-time record for year-end travel.
The forecast represents a 2.2% jump from last year, surpassing the previous high of 119.7 million travelers. Florida is expected to see particularly heavy traffic, with more than 7.5 million residents joining the nationwide migration—an increase of nearly a quarter-million Floridians compared to 2024.
“People are eager to travel this holiday season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies. Our advice is to plan ahead. Book early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and think about travel insurance if you’re flying during winter weather.”
READ: Holiday Help: Where To Pick Up Free Groceries In Hillsborough County This Week
Road Warriors Dominate
Despite the surge in air travel, the vast majority of holidaymakers are sticking to the pavement. Approximately 109.5 million Americans—nearly 90% of all travelers—will drive to their destinations. This preference for road trips is being fueled by a drop in gas prices, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years.
However, cheap gas comes with a trade-off: congestion. INRIX, a transportation data provider, warns that interstates will be jammed the weekend before Christmas (Dec. 20-21) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26). The best windows for driving? Early mornings before 10 a.m. or delaying the trip until Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, when roads are historically quiet.
In Florida alone, auto travel is up 3%, with 6.7 million residents hitting the highways.
Skies Get Crowded and Pricey
For those bypassing the highway gridlock, the airports offer little relief. AAA forecasts a record 8.03 million air travelers this season, marking the first time domestic air travel will top 8 million for the year-end holidays.
Flying this year will hit wallets harder. While international flight prices have dropped significantly, domestic airfare is up 7% compared to last year, averaging nearly $900 per ticket. Domestic hotel stays are also pricier, jumping 13% to an average of $750.
AAA advises air travelers to prepare for full flights and potential winter weather delays. “Travel insurance is essential,” the agency noted, citing the increased risk of cancellations during peak winter periods.
Florida Remains a Top Draw
The Sunshine State isn’t just sending travelers out; it’s reeling them in.
AAA booking data lists Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa among the top domestic destinations. Warm weather spots are dominating the charts this year, with travelers flocking to Southern California, Hawaii, and Caribbean hotspots like Cancun and Punta Cana to ring in 2026.
By the Numbers: 2025 Holiday Travel
- Total Travelers: 122.4 million (+2.2%)
- Driving: 109.5 million (+2%)
- Flying: 8.03 million (+2.3%)
- Other (Bus/Train/Cruise): 4.9 million (+9%)
With volume reaching unprecedented levels, experts stress patience. Drivers are urged to vehicle-check tires and batteries before leaving, as AAA expects to rescue nearly 860,000 motorists over the holiday break.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
