Here Are the Best and Worst Dates to Hit the Road for Holiday Travel
Americans from coast to coast are busy balancing holiday shopping and planning for their celebrations with family and friends. The holidays are the busiest travel time of the year, and if you're among the more than 100 million Americans estimated to be traveling by car this year, you might want to plan your trip down to the minute.
AAA recently released its predictions for the upcoming holiday travel season and advised drivers on the best dates and times to hit the road. Transportation data company INRIX reported that Saturday, Dec. 23 and Thursday, Dec. 28 will be the most congested days on the road. Roads will also be slammed on Saturday, Dec. 30, as many people will be heading back home from their holiday stays or traveling somewhere for New Year's Eve. Regardless of where you are, the best times to head out are either before lunchtime or after 7 p.m.
“Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 20 percent longer this holiday season. In major metros, especially in Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C., drivers could experience nearly double the typical delays,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue warned. “Avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps, local [Department of Transportation] notifications, and 511 services to minimize holiday travel traffic frustrations."
As for where Americans are headed this holiday season, many are opting for warmer weather and proximity to theme parks, with Orlando and Anaheim being the top domestic destinations for travelers. Flyers looking to leave the country are similarly looking for sunshine, as St. Thomas, Aruba, San Juan, Montego Bay, and Costa Rica are among the top foreign destinations.
