AAA reports more than 109 Million Americans to Travel for the Holidays
December 20, 2021
Nashville, TN – Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season.
More than 109 million people — an almost 34% increase from 2020 — will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of town between December 23rd and January 2nd.
That dramatic bounce-back — 27.7 million more travelers than the 2020 holiday period — brings this year’s numbers in line with 2017 figures, and just 8% shy of 2019 – which was the highest on record.
“Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still need to be mindful of the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel this year,” Hass stated.
| National Travel Figures | ||||
|
Total |
Automobile |
Air |
Other (bus, train, cruise) |
|
| 2021 Forecast |
109.5 M |
100.1 M |
6.4 M |
2.9 M |
| 2020 Actual |
81.7 M |
78.5 M |
2.3 M |
0.98 M |
| 2019 Actual |
119.3 M |
108 M |
7.33 M |
3.89 M |
| Change (2019 to 2021) |
?8.2% |
?7.3% |
?12.6% |
?24.8% |
| Change (2020 to 2021) |
+33.9% |
+27.6% |
+184% |
+198.7% |
More than 100 million on the roads and 6 million in the skies
Road trips remain the top mode of travel during the holidays, with over 100 million (91%) planning to drive to their destinations, despite gasoline costing $1.25 per gallon more than a year ago. Airlines will see a 184% increase from last year. More than 6 million people are expected to fly, while 3 million are booking buses, trains and cruises.
“Travelers should pay careful attention to Covid travel requirements, particularly those journeying outside the United States,” Haas continued. “The requirements to enter different countries may vary by destination and over time. Also, Americans should be aware that new rules require them to provide a negative Covid test within a day before reentering the U.S., regardless of their vaccination status. AAA stands ready to assist you in making travel plans with confidence, so you can sit back and enjoy your vacation.”
New AAA Resources for travelers:
What to Expect While Traveling – Allows travelers to easily view travel requirements based on their vaccination status, destination and date of travel. Our website and app provide a breakdown of the requirements for various modes of travel.
Tennessee Travel Rebounds 35%
Tennessee figures also show a strong rebound in travelers compared to the 2020 year-end holiday period.
More than 2.6 million Tennesseans are forecast to travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. Although that’s 5.5 percent fewer travelers than the record high set back in 2019, it’s still 689,000 (35%) more than last year.
| Tennessee Travel Figures | ||||
|
Total |
Automobile |
Air |
Other (bus, train, cruise) |
|
| 2021 Forecast |
2,681,984 |
2,529,439 |
68,008 |
84,536 |
| 2020 Actual |
1,992,569 |
1,941,512 |
23,643 |
27,414 |
| 2019 Actual |
2,838,624 |
2,667,182 |
73,949 |
97,493 |
| Change (2019 to 2021) |
?5.5% |
?5.2% |
?8% |
?13.3% |
| Change (2020 to 2021) |
+35% |
+30% |
+188% |
+208% |
Higher prices this holiday season
With so many planning to travel, AAA suggests booking flights, car rentals, accommodations and other activities as early as possible.
Air — Recent analysis of AAA’s flight booking data revealed that ticket prices for Christmas week are up 5% from last year, with the average lowest round-trip fare of $154 for major U.S. destinations. For those flying around New Year’s, prices are up considerably more – 27% with the average lowest fare at $182. Those wanting to book last-minute travel will find the best fares about two weeks before their travel date but keep in mind availability may be limited.
Hotels — Mid-range hotel rates have increased 36% for AAA Approved hotels for Christmas travel, with an average nightly rate of $320. For New Year’s Eve, the average nightly rate is $267.
Car Rentals — The average car rental rate has increased 20% for Christmas travel, with the average lowest daily rate of $130. It has increased 65% for New Year’s, for an average lowest daily rate of $103. Rental car companies have been re-building their inventory following a shortage over the summer, but with the increased demand expected around this time of the year, it’s important to book as early as possible.
Plan ahead for road trips
Auto travel remains the preferred mode of transportation for 91% of holiday travelers. With more than half a million additional Tennesseans on the road compared to last year, AAA believes drivers in major metro areas could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times.
|
Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel |
||
|
Date |
Worst travel time |
Best travel time |
|
12/23/21 |
12:00–6:00pm |
After 7:00pm |
|
12/24/21 |
2:00–6:00pm |
Before 1:00pm |
|
12/25/21 |
Minimal congestion expected |
|
|
12/26/21 |
1:00–7:00pm |
Before 12:00pm |
|
12/27/21 |
5:00–6:00pm |
Before 1:00pm |
|
12/28/21 |
1:00–7:00pm |
Before 12:00pm |
|
12/29/21 |
1:00–7:00pm |
Before 11:00am |
|
12/30/21 |
1:00–7:00pm |
Before 12:00pm |
|
12/31/21 |
2:00–4:00pm |
Before 1:00pm, after 5:00pm |
|
1/1/22 |
Minimal congestion expected |
|
|
1/2/22 |
2:00–6:00pm |
Before 1:00pm |
|
|
Source: INRIX |
|
The 100 million Americans planning to drive over the holidays need to be prepared for slowdowns and breakdowns. AAA expects to respond to as many as 1.3 million calls for help.
“Vehicles that have been driven less during the pandemic should get an inspection to check key components like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels to avoid an unnecessary breakdown,” said Stephanie Milani, public affairs director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s important to do this as early as possible in case there is an issue that needs to be fixed.”
Motorists can visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility in their area.
Theme parks, beaches and Vegas are popular destinations
AAA booking data through October shows that domestically, theme-park-heavy destinations like Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California, top the list of popular travel spots. Las Vegas, New York City and several other Florida cities also rank high.
| Top U.S. Travel Destinations |
| 1. Orlando |
| 2. Anaheim, CA |
| 3. Las Vegas, NV |
| 4. New York, NY; Kahului, Maui, HI (tie) |
| 5. Honolulu, HI |
| 6. Miami, FL |
| 7. Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| 8. Tampa, FL |
| 9. Phoenix, AZ |
| 10. San Diego, CA |
ACG Travel VP Shares First Hand Experience
Covid-related restrictions and requirements often change and vary by destination, especially for Americans who wish to travel internationally. ACG Travel Vice President Debbie Haas is currently on a European cruise, for a first-hand experience of how cruising has changed for American passengers.
“Cruise lines like AMAWaterways have implemented many new safety protocols that should help travelers feel more comfortable while sailing,” Haas explained. “Before boarding, passengers were asked to submit proof of vaccinations. Once onboard, we’re required to wear masks when moving around indoors, undergo daily temperature checks and meet any local requirements before disembarking. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall experience of taking a cruise remains just as enjoyable as before.”
AAA Advice for Travelers
AAA urges anyone considering gathering or traveling for the holidays to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. It’s essential to know requirements and recommendations based on your vaccination status, where you’re traveling from and your destination.
A trusted travel advisor can provide advice, serving as an advocate before, during and after a trip. Their extensive knowledge and expertise allow them to help travelers with questions related to travel insurance options, what destinations and attractions are open both domestically and internationally, destination-specific testing and vaccination requirements, what to do if last-minute changes to a trip are needed and much more.
AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map helps travelers understand closures, recommendations and requirements when traveling in the U.S. In addition, the CDC has an interactive map with recommendations and information about restrictions for international travel.
Masks are still required for everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of U.S. public transportation and within transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The CDC also recommends everyone wear a mask indoors in public places in an area of substantial or high transmission.
Other things to consider:
- Travel insurance — AAA highly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. Travel insurance provides financial benefits for lost baggage and flight interruptions of as little as 3 hours. It is best to consult the expertise of a travel advisor who can guide you on the coverage options available for your specific trip, including if your destination requires visitors to carry travel insurance.
- Clean accommodations — When booking a place to stay, look for accommodations that prioritize cleanliness and have implemented additional housekeeping standards since the start of the pandemic. Hotels that meet AAA standards for cleanliness earn AAA Diamond designations. Earlier this year, as part of the Diamond program, AAA enhanced its housekeeping evaluation, and inspections now include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that have been inspected since that new testing started and now meet these new standards are recognized as Inspected Clean. A current list of AAA Diamond hotels, including those recognized as Inspected Clean, can be found here.
- Domestic and international travel guidelines — When traveling within the U.S., fully vaccinated travelers do not need a negative viral test or to self-quarantine. For international travel, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status or nationality, must show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than one day before travel into the U.S. Refer to the CDC for more information.
Forecasted numbers may change
AAA notes that the actual number of travelers could fluctuate as we approach the holidays. Some people may decide to stay home if there is an increase in reported COVID-19 cases or because of concerns about the omicron variant, while others may note the progress in vaccinations and make last-minute decisions to travel. AAA recommends working with a travel advisor who can help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season. To get started and to learn more, visit AAA.com/Travel.
Forecast Methodology
In cooperation with AAA, IHS Markit—a world leader in critical information, analytics and expertise—developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from IHS Markit’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays.
Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitorsm. The PERFORMANCE/Monitorsm is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior.
The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and IHS Markit forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of Nov. 15, 2021.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second-largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec, and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking, and financial services, travel offerings, and more.
ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety.
For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
AAA recommends Tennesseans Begin Making Holiday Travel Plans Now
October 31, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennesseans have begun making their travel plans for the holiday season. According to a new AAA Travel survey, over one-third (36%) of residents book their holiday trips by the end of October.
Click here to view the full survey
New AAA Travel Survey shows 36% of Tennesseans locked in plans before November. (AAA)
AAA reports COVID-19 Pandemic Prompts More Americans to Consider Travel Insurance
September 27, 2021
Orlando, FL – The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on Americans’ travel plans. How they plan—and protect—those trips have also changed.
According to a recent AAA Travel survey, more than half (55%) of American adults are planning a vacation of at least one overnight stay before the end of next year, and those travelers are increasingly turning to travel insurance to protect their vacation investments.
AAA Travel survey finds 31% of travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance due to COVID-19 Coronavirus. (AAA)
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August 21, 2021
Orlando, FL – Americans returned to travel in droves this summer, with recent AAA Travel bookings up at least 11% over 2019 levels, and even more people excitedly planning trips for 2022 and beyond. As summer comes to a close, travel volumes around Labor Day are expected to remain high.
Though, with a resurgence of COVID-19 Coronavirus cases attributed to the delta variant, some travelers are wondering if they should take that last summer trip – or continue with their future travel plans.
COVID-19 delta variant raises new considerations for today’s travelers. (AAA)
Take advantage of the Many Water Activities in Tennessee
July 15, 2021
Nashville, TN – As summertime heats up, make a splash on your next Tennessee adventure, and dive into the state’s abundant waterways with endless water-filled activities.
With over a half-million acres of lakes and 50,000 miles of rivers, come be a part of the thrilling adventures, relaxing vibes, and unlimited possibilities Tennessee has to offer.
10,000 Airline Vouchers Up for Grabs When Travelers Book a Trip to Tennessee
July 10, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and country superstar Brad Paisley are teaming up to launch “Tennessee on Me” a nationwide campaign to promote Tennessee tourism. “On me” offers 10,000 free airline vouchers to four key Tennessee airports – Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville – with the purchase of a 2-night stay at TennesseeOnMe.com.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and country singer Brad Paisley. (Katie Kauss)
AAA says expect High Gas Prices for Independence Day Holiday Weekend
June 28, 2021
Washington, D.C. – At $3.09, the national gas price average is at its highest of the year and not stopping. That average will increase, possibly as much as another nickel, in the lead up to Independence Day as AAA forecasts a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans will hit the road for a holiday getaway.
This year’s Independence Day holiday weekend is defined as Thursday, July 1st – Monday, July 5th, 2021.
No Freedom from High Gas Prices during Independence Day Holiday. (AAA)
TDOT announces July 4th Travelers in Tennessee Won’t be Delayed by Construction
June 28, 2021
Nashville, TN – Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4th holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 6:00am on Friday, July 2nd through 6:00am on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.
Lane Closures Halted for Independence Day Holiday
AAA forecasts 992,000 Tennesseans to Travel for Independence Day
June 25, 2021
Travel volumes are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels
Nashville, TN – Travel continues to rebound after a year-long pandemic. AAA forecasts travel volumes for Independence Day will be the second-highest on record; nearing the highs set in 2019.
More than 47.7 million Americans will take at least one domestic trip this Independence Day (July 1st–5th). This represents an increase of nearly 40% from last year, yet just 2.5% fewer than the 2019 holiday weekend.
AAA releases Travel Update: National Parks get Busier, Hawaii Requires COVID-19 Tests, Check Your Passport
June 19, 2021
Nashville, TN – Traveler enthusiasm continues to grow as destinations reopen around the world. On Wednesday, the European Union voted to add the United States to its safe travel list.
While this would make it easier for Americans to vacation in Europe without quarantining, each of the 27 member states may have different testing and vaccination requirements for inbound travelers.
