(Omaha) AAA is forecasting more than 9.1 million travelers from the West North Central Region* (WNC) are predicted to travel 50 miles or more for the year-end holiday period (from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1). That’s 139,000 more than in 2023 but less than the record set in 2019.
The west-northcentral region includes Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
AAA expects 3 million more travelers nationwide than last year. An estimated 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more, narrowly surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.
“Travelers should expect the roads, airports, and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So, finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which assists in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”
The factors influencing travel volume include consumer spending as inflation continues to moderate. Strong employment continues to drive rising wages, and with inflation leveling off, consumers are expected to spend nearly 5% more than last year as incomes rise at a similar level. Economic growth continues to remain steady, with Q4 real GDP growth expected at 2.0% compared to last year.
