AAA: At Least 34 Million Fewer American Will Travel This Holiday Season

Up to 81 million Americans are expected to hit the road between Dec. 23-Jan. 3.

Shutterstock photo.

(Undated) – Fewer Americans are expected to travel this Christmas.

AAA Travel expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year’s holiday season. Still, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel between December 23 and January 3.

Most Americans will travel by car, with road trips accounting for 96 percent of holiday travel. Up to 81 million will take a road trip this Christmas, a decline of at least 25 percent compared to last year. As for air travel, as many as 2.9 million travelers are expected to book flights for the holidays, a decline of nearly 60% from 2019.

For those who decide to hit the road, gas prices remain nearly 50 cents cheaper than this time a year ago.

“Typically, cheaper gas prices are an incentive for last minute trips, especially around the holidays. But the lower prices and less traffic aren’t driving decisions to hit the road. Americans are looking to the public health landscape, including COVID-19 case numbers, to make their travel decisions,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson.

AAA expects to rescue more than 905,000 American at the roadside this holiday season. Of course there are other concerns with traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations. That will not be the case this year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays.”

The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holiday this year, warning travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.

However, AAA has put together a list of helpful tips for those that will be traveling.

• Plan ahead: Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.
• Follow Public Health Guidance.
  • The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.
  • Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular handwashing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.
• Verify Before You Go. Call ahead to minimize any last-minute surprises.
  • Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.
  • Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.

For more information, visit www.newsroom.aaa.com.