(NewsNation) — This week is projected to be the busiest holiday travel period to date, with more than 120 million Americans set to leave town.
AAA estimates 122.4 million people will hit the roads, rails and skies from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1, surpassing last year’s 119.7 million travelers.
The majority of those travelers are going by car, with nearly 110 million people expected to be on the roads this holiday season. Average gas prices are below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021, according to AAA.
Roughly 8 million will travel by plane and nearly 5 million by bus or train.
Round-trip domestic flights are 7% more expensive this year, averaging nearly $900 a ticket, with the days leading up to Christmas being the most expensive.
“People are eager to travel this holiday season,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, in a news release. “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. It’s the best way to protect both your trip and your peace of mind.”