The upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays are poised to witness a surge in travel, with more than 115 million travelers anticipated, marking the second-highest figure in decades.

According to AAA, over the 10-day holiday period from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, a total of 115.2 million travelers are forecasted to venture 50 miles or more from their homes. Notably, nearly 104 million individuals are expected to opt for road travel.

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, highlighted the upward trend, stating, “This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023. More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

While various travel modes, including air, cruise, and train, will be in play, the majority are set to hit the roads. The forecast predicts heightened congestion on Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28. Travelers should brace for increased traffic on Saturday, Dec. 30, as well. To navigate the roads with less hassle, drivers are advised to travel in the mornings (before noon) or after 7 p.m. Additionally, lower traffic is expected on Sunday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 25, Sunday, Dec. 31, and Monday, Jan. 1.

The aviation sector is also gearing up for unprecedented activity, with a projected record of 7.5 million travelers taking to the skies over the holiday period. This figure surpasses the previous record of 7.3 million passengers recorded in 2019.

AAA noted a decline in average ticket prices compared to 2022, with an average round-trip ticket to Orlando during the holiday period costing $613, down from $735 the previous year.

Apart from planes and cars, over 4 million Americans are anticipated to travel by bus, train, or cruise. Twidale shared a tip for travelers interested in post-holiday cruises, mentioning that savvy travelers often secure the best deals at this time when cruise lines offer attractive promotions.