Hotels and cruise ships across America will be very busy in late 2024, as AAA predicts 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday season, starting Saturday the 21st. December 2024 to Wednesday January 1. , 2025. This projection slightly exceeds the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers, with approximately 3 million more people traveling compared to last year.
“The holidays are a great time to create lasting memories with loved ones, and travel plays an important role,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “With Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday this year, we are expecting record numbers of travel for the weekends before and after the holiday.”
Top destinations for the 2024 holiday season include tropical regions, with many travelers opting for resorts or cruises to close out the year. Southern gems like Charleston and New Orleans are also among the top 10 domestic destinations. Internationally, Bahrain has established itself as a top choice, thanks to its popular cruise port, pleasant climate and rich cultural heritage.
Domestic cruise bookings increased 37% compared to the last holiday season. Cruises are popular this time of year, as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship filled with activities and food.
