With the end-of-year holiday season fast approaching, AAA has unveiled forecast numbers for holiday travel, and all indications are for crowded roads and terminals across Michigan and the country. According to CBS News Detroit, an estimated 3.8 million Michiganders are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the holidays which marks an all-time high for the state, eclipsing last year's figure by nearly 100,000 travelers.
This year's tally in Michigan includes approximately 3.4 million who will journey by car while more than 217,000 are projected to fly, and another 144,000 will opt for other modes of transit such as buses, cruises, or trains, this increase in holiday wanderlust is not just a local phenomenon but mirrors a national trend that sees 119.3 million Americans poised to travel, representing a swell of around 3 million more than the previous year and surpassing the prior record set in 2019 the information for which was detailed by WXYZ.
Travelers hitting the Michigan highways can expect competitive gas prices, with regular unleaded gas averaging $2.94 per gallon — the lowest since January 2024, as reported by CBS News Detroit. Moreover, AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland highlighted in a statement reported by WXYZ that "Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide." Indeed, the lure of the open road appears as irresistible as ever.
Travelers looking to avoid congestion should heed the advice from AAA regarding the best and worst times to travel; for instance, before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, is ideal, while 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. could result in delays, such timely insights were shared by WXYZ for those planning ahead. Also to note Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA advised, according to an UpNorthLive article, that travelers should finalize plans now and allow extra time to reach destinations also recommending travel insurance as a safeguard against potential disruptions caused by winter weather or other unforeseen events.
With nearly 90% of the holiday travelers set to drive to their destinations, potential travelers should expect higher-than-usual traffic volume, a surge significant enough to catalyze the highest number of Michigan road trippers, as per UpNorthLive's coverage, there's an anticipation of a record-setting year, that could signal a notable change in holiday travel behaviors and preferences, signifying perhaps a broader shift in the cultural zeitgeist of American mobility.
