Wisconsinites are expected to travel in record numbers

Wisconsinites are expected to travel in record numbers for the year-end holiday period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. AAA predicts 2.39 million Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more from home. That’s 76,278 more travelers than the previous record high, set last year. Nationwide, AAA expects three million more travelers than last year. An estimated, 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more. This narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects 2.5 million more people on the roads this year.

Nationwide, an estimated 107 million will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s just shy of the record of 108 million road travelers set in 2019. Road travel is expected to set new records in Wisconsin. More than 2.1 million Wisconsinites are forecast to take a road trip. That’s 61,549 more Wisconsin road trippers than last year. Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel. Gas prices are expected to be competitive with last year’s levels. During the last two weeks of 2023, Wisconsin gas prices averaged $2.74 per gallon. During that time, the state average ranged from a low of $2.71 per gallon to a high of $2.77.

Currently, Wisconsin drivers are paying around $2.72 per gallon. Nationally, AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season. Nearly 7.9 million Americans are forecast to take at least one domestic flight. That number surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season compared to last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.

The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people will travel by other modes. That number is the highest it’s been in 20 years. Cruise bookings out of domestic ports are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.