LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – AAA says this year’s holiday travel season is on track to be the busiest on record, with millions of Michiganders heading out to close out 2025.
Nationwide, AAA projects about 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday period, which runs from December 20 through January 1. In Michigan alone, nearly four million people are expected to travel.
“Nationwide, we’re expecting about 122 million Americans to travel. In Michigan, we’re expecting nearly 4 million Michiganders will travel for the year-end holidays,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Most of those trips will be by car. AAA says drivers should expect the heaviest congestion in the days leading up to Christmas, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.
“The busiest days for road travel ahead of Christmas are pretty much December 20th through December 23rd,” Woodland said. “Particularly between the hours of about 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.”
AAA recommends drivers prepare their vehicles ahead of time by checking tires, brakes, batteries, and fluids, and to slow down during winter weather conditions.
Air travel is also expected to reach record levels, with AAA forecasting more than eight million domestic air travelers nationwide, the first time that number has topped eight million during the year-end holidays. AAA says the days leading up to Christmas are typically the busiest and most expensive to fly.
“With the winter weather and the heavy air traffic that will be out there, it increases the risk of delays and cancellations,” Woodland said, adding that travel insurance can help cover unexpected disruptions.
There is some relief at the pump for drivers. AAA says Michigan gas prices are averaging about $2.73 a gallon, the lowest seen all year and well below last Christmas.
“The state average is around about $2.73 a gallon,” Woodland said. “That’s the lowest price we’ve seen so far this year.”
AAA is also bringing back its Tow to Go program to help prevent impaired driving during the holidays. The free service runs from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through 6 a.m. on January 2 and is available to both members and non-members.
“The holiday season is certainly a time for joy and celebration,” Woodland said, “but it also carries a greater risk for impaired driving.”
You can read more here: Newsroom.acg.aaa.com
