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INDIANAPOLIS—AAA projects 122.4 million Americans, 2.9 million of those Hoosiers, will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s projection is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. In Indiana, it’s a 3.3% increase in the number of Hoosiers traveling this year compared to last. “Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.” Traveling by car AAA projects 109.5 million Americans, 2.6 million of those Hoosiers, will travel by car for their year-end trips. In Indiana, that’s a 3% increase from 2024. Driving is the overwhelming favorite among all modes of transportation because of its convenience and low cost. Gas prices are lower compared to last holiday season when the national average was $3.04 to end 2024. For the first time in 4 years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon this month, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close. During 2024’s year-end holiday period, AAA responded to more than 6,600 roadside assistance calls in Indiana. Most calls were for dead batteries, flat tires and tows. Before you head out on a road trip, test your battery if possible and check your tire tread depth and pressure to prepare your car. While on your trip, AAA reminds drivers to slow down and move over when you see stopped vehicles on the side of the road, including roadside assistance technicians and emergency responders. December is also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which serves as a timely reminder to never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Saturday, December 20 is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. Small SUVs make up the most popular car rental class over the year-end holidays. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 1% more expensive this holiday season compared to last year. Best and worst times to drive INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Christmas week to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, but both weeks will see days of increased traffic. Interstates will be extra congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday. Friday, December 26 is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day. Christmas and New Year’s Day are typically the lightest traffic-wise, but remember crashes or severe weather could create unexpected delays. Traveling by airplane AAA projects a record 8.03 million travelers nationwide taking domestic flights this holiday season, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This will be the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more expensive this year, averaging nearly $900 a ticket. The days leading up to Christmas Day are the most expensive, while flying on the holiday itself is cheaper. New Year’s flights are also pricey with many people returning home on New Year’s Day or even squeezing one extra weekend out of the holiday season and coming back on Sunday, January 4. Traveling by other modes Travel by other modes is expected to go up by 9% with 4.9 million people traveling by bus, train or cruise. This category has seen a 25% increase since 2019, mainly due to the record-setting demand for cruises post-pandemic. Top year-end destinations The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for the year-end travel period. Warm destinations dominate the domestic side with travelers heading to Florida, Southern California and Hawaii. Caribbean destinations and resort towns in Mexico are also popular to celebrate the year-end holidays and ring in 2026.
About AAA Hoosier Since its creation in 1902, AAA has become one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA Hoosier provides roadside assistance, travel services, exclusive member discounts and benefits, and trusted financial and insurance services to nearly 400,000 Hoosiers. To learn more about AAA Hoosier offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. |