BOISE – If you have company visiting for the holidays, plan on having plenty of extra candy canes to fill the stockings this year.
According to AAA, more than 122 million Americans – roughly 35% of the population – will travel 50 miles or more from home for a holiday vacation this year, including 700,000 Idahoans. And yep, you guessed it – that’s a new record.
“Even when people face economic uncertainty, seeing loved ones is a high priority,” says Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho. “Please be patient, no matter how or when you make your trip. It’s merrier – and safer – to keep calm and stay on Santa’s nice list.”
The year-end holiday travel period runs from December 20 to January 1.
Best and worst times to travel
| Worst traffic | Friday, December 19, Saturday/Sunday PM |
| Best traffic | December 24 and 25 |
| Worst times to fly | December 20 and 21 |
| Best times to fly | December 25 and 26 |
“Getting an early start could make all the difference if you’re trying to avoid gridlock on the roads and packed airport security lines. However, please get enough rest to make the trip as problem-free as you can,” Conde said.
Top ten year-end holiday destinations for Idaho travelers
For the second straight holiday, Las Vegas leads the way for Idaho family getaways:
- Las Vegas
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Anaheim/Los Angeles
- Maui
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- Billings, MT
- Denver, CO
- Seattle, WA
- Orlando, FL
How will travelers get over the river and through the woods?
- By car: 110 million people will opt for the comfort and convenience of a road trip, representing 89% of all travelers and an additional 2.1 million people from a year ago
- By plane: More than 8 million Americans will fly – a 2.3% jump from last year
- By cruise ship, bus, or train: About 4.9 million passengers will take these modes of travel – a 9% increase from a year ago
Year-end travel costs
While the Thanksgiving holiday brought cheaper prices for just about everything, the year-end holidays may cost a little more “silver and gold.” On average, domestic airfare is 7% more expensive than a year ago, a hotel stay is 13% more expensive, and rental car bookings are 1% more expensive. Those boarding a cruise ship will see an average savings of 14% from a year ago.
“If you’re heading to a cold-weather destination, you may have a shot at finding a cheaper last-minute hotel room,” Conde said. “The good news is that the flight and rental car portion won’t change many opinions about traveling for the holidays, and neither will gas prices.”
Today, Idaho’s average gas price is $3.08 for a gallon of regular, just six cents more than a year ago.
AAA to the rescue
AAA will respond to nearly 880,000 requests for emergency road service over the year-end holiday season, including 1,500 here in Idaho. “We’re always ready to help people get to safety, but a pre-trip inspection of your battery, engine and tires may prevent delays,” Conde said. “The best place to catch a vehicle issue is close to home.”
Travel tips
To save space, ship gifts to your end destination and just pack the essentials. Where possible, use only carry-on luggage when you fly, but if you must check a bag, keep important medications and a change of clothes with you. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks with you to stay comfortable if you experience any delays.
“Downloading the airline app and checking traffic cameras and weather reports are best practices for any trip,” Conde said. “This time of year, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid stress and save the surprises for unwrapping presents.”
If you plan to drive, make sure you bring along an emergency kit, warm coats, blankets, and some snacks and water. Share your travel plans with friends and family in case you fail to arrive on time.