The holiday season is a time for connection and celebration, and for many Americans, that means hitting the road. With nearly half of the population planning holiday trips this year, traffic is expected to surge, especially as more people opt for out-of-state or long-distance travel.
But with busier highways and unpredictable winter weather, staying safe behind the wheel is more important than ever. Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, understanding the latest travel trends and staying ahead of safety risks can help you enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Travel Trends for the 2024 Holidays
Travel is an important part of the season for many Americans. In 2024, people are expected to travel further distances and spend a bit more money to upgrade the experience. Let's take a look at some of the key trends happening this year.
Travel Is Becoming More of a Priority
This year, 49% of Americans are planning to travel for the holidays, a slight increase from 2023. What’s more interesting is how they’re traveling — many are planning multiple trips, and 28% are upping their travel budgets. Why the extra spending? About 40% say that travel has become more important to them this year.
Many Americans Plan to Travel Out of State
Around 30% of people are planning trips for the December holidays. Of those travelers, 52% are heading out of state, while 31% are staying closer to home. Only a small group — 6% — are planning international trips this year.
Preferred Modes of Transportation
Based on these numbers, we can expect some busy roads this season. Traveling by car is by far the most popular mode of holiday vacation transportation, with 70% saying they’ll drive to their destinations. Another 21% will travel by bus or train, and 31% of holiday travelers plan to fly.
Overall, this year’s holiday plans are pretty much in line with 2023, when many Americans also said they were planning to hop behind the wheel and drive out of state.
The Impact of Holiday Travel Trends
Having more people on the roads doesn’t just mean more cars. With heavy traffic comes stop-and-go conditions, along with drivers who are distracted, stressed, and might be navigating unfamiliar areas.
About 33% of travelers are planning week-long vacations, up from 25% in 2023. While these longer trips are often exciting, they may also come with added risks. Long-distance driving can lead to fatigue, especially when traveling for hours without breaks. Add in winter weather challenges like icy roads or snowstorms, and things can become downright treacherous. But, a bit of defensive driving and some proactive safety tips can make all the difference.
Recommendations for Safe Holiday Travel
There's no arguing that driving during the holidays comes with unique challenges, but there's no need to worry. These tips will help you handle the season’s risks with confidence:
Plan your route ahead of time: Use navigation apps or GPS to check for traffic, road closures, or weather alerts before heading out. Set up directions before you start driving to avoid distractions.
Avoid driving while fatigued: Long-distance driving can take a toll on your focus. Make sure you’re well-rested before hitting the road, and take breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch and recharge. If you’re feeling sleepy, don’t push through. Instead, swap drivers or find a place to rest.
Prepare for winter weather: Check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and windshield wipers before heading out. Carry an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, water, a flashlight, and jumper cables. Slow down on icy roads and increase your following distance.
Limit distractions: Keep your phone out of reach and set your music or playlist before driving. Remind passengers to help you stay focused by keeping noise levels low and handling navigation if needed.
Drive defensively: Be alert for unpredictable drivers, especially in heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas. Watch for sudden stops and stay calm if other drivers are aggressive.
Safe Travels and Happy Holidays
The holiday season is all about making memories and spending time with the people who matter the most. Staying prepared and practicing smart driving habits can help you avoid headaches.
If you want to feel even more confident behind the wheel this season, consider Aceable’s online defensive driving course. It’s quick, easy, and designed to help you tackle driving challenges with ease. Plus, you might even score a discount on your car insurance.
This year, give yourself the gift of safe and stress-free travels. Plan ahead, drive smart, and make the most of every mile. Safe travels, and happy holidays from all of us at Aceable.
Updated 12/05/2024