High travel numbers reported for end-of-year holiday travel

By Leah Rainwater

Holiday travel for the 2024 season is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

With over 300 million Americans expected to travel from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, about 107 million are expected to get to their destination by car.

“Car travel, of course, gives families a little bit more flexibility when they travel, you know, when they leave, that sort of thing,” said Nick Chabarria, AAA spokesperson. “Also, maybe a little bit of cost savings as well. You know, compared to flying.”

Although we might not see a ‘White Christmas’ in Missouri, Chabarria said to make sure your car is prepared for winter weather before you hit the road.

“You can do that by getting your tires checked,” said Chabarria. “You know, oil checked, battery checked prior to heading out on the road. One of the number one reasons people call AAA for assistance during the winter time in the colder months is for dead or disabled batteries.”

Another thing Chabarria said to keep an eye out for are emergency crews, toll operators and any road workers while traveling.

“If you see flashing lights on the side of the road on your road trip, make sure you’re slowing down, moving over a lane- if safe to do so, to give those folks plenty of room to do their job safely and get to their families for the holidays as well,” said Chabarria.

In terms of gas prices this holiday season, Chabarria said barring any major disruptions in oil and gas production, Americans can expect to see prices relatively close to what they were at in 2023, which was about $3.14.