Christmas 2025: Record Millions Hit the Road

This holiday season, AAA forecasts a whopping 119. 3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home. That's more than ever before! This isn't just a slight increase; it's millions more than last year and even more than the 2019 record. Why the big surge? It could be because Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, making the weekend before and after perfect for travel. Most people, about 90%, will drive this year. That's 107 million drivers on the road! Gas prices are actually lower than the past two years, with a national average around $3. 03 per gallon of regular gas. If you're flying, expect records too—7. 85 million passengers are predicted, beating last year's 7. 5 million. Even buses, trains, and cruises are seeing a 10% boost. The top destinations in the U. S. include Orlando, Miami, and Las Vegas, while internationally, places like Punta Cana and Cancun are top picks. But be prepared—snow is expected in more places this year, making travel challenging in 23 states. Travel experts warn that major metro areas will be the worst for traffic. Sunday, December 22, is expected to be the worst day. However, if you can travel on Christmas Day, it should be fairly easy. Hertz says some cities, like Denver and Miami, will have the highest rental car demand, especially on December 20 and 21. INRIX predicts that cities like Boston and New York could see delays double. Nationwide, travel times could be up to 30% longer. But if you can schedule your trips early or late, you might avoid the chaos. Weather experts warn that winter conditions will be harsh, especially in the Northeast. What's the advice? Travel smart—keep an eye on weather conditions and road updates. Leave early or late to beat the peak times. And remember, speeding won't save much time and could be risky.