Traveling over the holidays? Here are the best days, times to travel
Planes, trains and automobiles. Well, maybe not trains − because train travel is still a pipe dream for most people in this state. But this holiday season, almost three million Tennesseans will be traveling to visit their loved ones.
According to the American Automobile Association, 2.7 million Tennesseans are projected to travel 50 miles or more during the holiday travel period from Dec. 23-Jan. 1. This is a 3% increase over last year and the second highest year-end travel forecast volume since 2000, when AAA began tracking holiday travel.
“AAA has seen steady year-over-year growth in travel demand,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA − The Auto Club Group. “With a record number of travelers, the roads, airports and cruise lines will be more crowded than normal. So finalize your travel plans now, anticipate longer lines, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.”
A lot of travelers will hit the road in Tennessee
AAA expects road travel to be the second highest on record, with more than 2.5 million Tennesseans driving to their holiday destinations, an increase of 64,900 compared to 2022. As 2023 comes to a close, drivers can expect to pay about the same or less for a gallon of gas than they did last holiday season, when the Tennessee average on Christmas Day and New Year's Day was $2.73 and $2.88, respectively.
What are the best and worst days and times to drive?
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says there will be several days of potentially bad traffic during the 10-day holiday period. Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28, will be the most congested days on the road. Saturday, Dec. 30, when many people will be heading back home from their holiday destinations or traveling for New Year's Eve, also will see an increase in traffic.
Travel procrastinators get some benefits: Minimal traffic impacts are expected for Dec. 24-25, as well as Dec. 31 and Jan.
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The best times to hit the road are before lunchtime or after 7 p.m., INRIX'S data shows. But if you have to travel on Dec. 23, you probably will need to get on the road before 10 a.m.
Air travel will also soar for Tennesseans
Airports are expected to be the busiest they've ever been throughout the Christmas and New Year's travel period. More than 74,000 Tennesseans are forecast to take a commercial flight, 3,400 more than last year.
“AAA recommends booking flights as early as possible to ensure the best combination of price and availability,” Haas said. “Those waiting until the last minute could catch a discount but may have fewer options in terms of non-stop flights and seat availability. Whenever you book, it's important to consider travel insurance.”
Here are some tips to make air travel less painful
With a record number of air travelers expected this holiday season, AAA recommends travelers plan ahead and take precautions when driving to the airport and parking their vehicles.
h On-site garages tend to be more expensive but offer convenience and peace of mind, given their proximity to the terminals.
h Opt for covered parking if you live in an area expecting inclement weather.
h Remove valuables from your vehicle. h Lock doors and roll up windows. h Don't forget to turn off your headlights, if they don't turn off automatically.
h Take a photo of your spot to remember where you parked.
h Keep your ticket − and receipt, if you prepaid − handy to show when exiting.
Alternatives like buses and cruises also have become increasingly popular
AAA expects more than 4 million Americans will take alternative transportation over Christmas and New Year's, compared to 3.66 million in 2022 and 3.89 million in 2019. The demand for cruises has skyrocketed post-pandemic, and the industry is now preparing for the wave of bookings that traditionally happens at the start of the new year.
“Savvy travelers know that right after the holidays is the best time to book a cruise,” Haas said. “That's when cruise lines offer some of the best deals.”
Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.