Record 119 million will hit the roads this holiday season
- AAA expects 119 million people to travel for the holidays, with a significant number of drivers hit the roads.
- Travel congestion is expected due to engineering works on railways, affecting road traffic as well.
- Planning ahead and arriving early is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth holiday travel experience.
In the United States, particularly during the festive season, travel numbers are surging as the COVID-19 pandemic's impact wanes. The AAA estimates that 119 million individuals will embark on trips of at least 50 miles during the upcoming holiday period. Pennsylvania alone is set to see around 3.3 million travelers. The last weekend before Christmas is projected to be busy on the roads, with advice from experts suggesting drivers leave early to avoid heavy traffic, particularly on Sunday, which is expected to be the most congested day. Alongside road travel, airports are also anticipating high volume, with travelers encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays, especially since internal flights will be busy this weekend. Many drivers should remain vigilant of potential adverse weather affecting their routes. Rail travel is forecasted to face disruptions due to planned engineering works, and this may cause some congestion on major roadways, thereby influencing traffic patterns during this busy festive time. People are prioritizing family visits as they celebrate the season together again after the pandemic disruptions, resulting in an uptick in travel demand across various modes of transport.