AAA expects holiday travelers to break record

The American Automobile Association expects a record-breaking number of travelers this holiday season.

AAA estimates that 115.6 million Americans will travel during the period between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1, 2020. That would be the most travelers recorded during this time period since AAA began tracking the number in 2000.

The number of travelers estimated for 2019 is up approximately 4 percent over last year, AAA reported. More than 104 million travelers will drive to their destinations, according to AAA. Airline travel will also see an increase this year, with 6.97 million Americans expected to fly during the holiday season.

AAA predicts that the most road congestion will be found late afternoon on Dec. 26. The following day, Dec. 27, is also expected to be busy for road travel, so AAA urges drivers to plan ahead.

Gas prices are expected to decrease in time for the holiday season, though AAA expects them to be higher than last December's national gas price average of $2.37 per gallon.