[A woman at an airport. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

This December 2024, almost 119 million people are projected to travel for vacation in the US, previously surpassing the record back in 2019 pre pandemic. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects nearly 40 million people to be in the airport throughout the holiday season, representing more than a 5% increase from the previous year’s figures. 

The surge in holiday travel can be attributed to various factors.

While students completing midterm exams seek to reunite with their families, many travelers are drawn to warm, tropical destinations such as Florida, Nevada, and Hawaii to escape the winter chill.

Experts note that while many people lead fulfilling daily lives, taking a break from the routine 9-to-5 schedule provides opportunities for new experiences.

Research suggests that traveling can yield positive effects on both mental and physical health, offering valuable opportunities to bond with family members or friends. 

Nevertheless, the journey to a destination rarely proves  simple, particularly when tens of millions of fellow Americans share similar plans to escape their daily work schedules.

The TSA has predicted December 20th, 27th, and 30th to be the busiest days at airports nationwide.

Those seeking to avoid air travel may find little relief as every other mode of transport is expected to be packed with travelers.

The number of people traveling by bus, trains, are up by nearly ten percent compared to last year, while cruise bookings have surged by 37% from the previous holiday season.

Road travel remains extremely popular with predicted travel times showing nearly a 30% increase during the holiday period.

Traffic analysts expect the worst traffic congestion to occur between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, though Christmas Day itself should see minimal traffic.

A couple 4.5 million people are predicted to travel by bus, train, and cruise, representing the highest number recorded in the past twenty years.

To combat these travel challenges, experts recommend several strategies.

Many transportation analysts at INRIX suggest travelers to depart early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak commuting hours.

Although it may disrupt sleep schedules, it proves far more efficient than being stuck in security lines for hours.

For those traveling by car, experts recommend ensuring vehicles are in peak condition with particular attention to tire pressure, brakes, and oil levels. 

Drivers should also prepare for adverse weather conditions and plan regular breaks to prevent fatigue and discomfort during long journeys.

Though these precautions may seem excessive, they are crucial steps toward ensuring a smooth and enjoyable winter holiday travel experience.