AAA Hawaii predicts 20.5 million residents of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington will travel during the year-end holiday period this year – a 2% increase from last year and a new record number that is just slightly higher than in 2019, the last year-end holiday period before the pandemic. Across the nation, AAA is projecting this year-end holiday travel period to be the second busiest on record, with 115.2 million travelers expected compared to 119.3 million in 2019.
The year-end holiday travel period is defined as the 10 days from Saturday, December 23, 2023, to Monday, January 1, 2024.
By the Numbers
“With a new record for year-end travel among Pacific State residents, we are expecting roads, airports and cruise ports to be very busy this month,” said Jena Miller, AAA Hawaii vice president for travel products and services. “Consumer demand for leisure travel has surged this year, and it appears that the momentum is set to carry on into 2024.”
Top Destinations
This holiday season, many travelers are heading to warm weather destinations, tourist hotspots, and European cities.
Nationally, the top domestic destinations for U.S. travelers are:
- Orlando, FL
- Anaheim, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Charlotte, NC
- Miami, FL
And the top international destinations are:
- London, England
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Aruba
- Dublin, Ireland
- Toronto, Canada.
Gas Prices
Hawaii residents and visitors will be paying much less at the pump than last year at this time. To find the cheapest gas prices closest to your location, use the AAA Mobile app, and visit gasprices.aaa.com to find the average gas prices at your destination or calculate the estimated gas cost for your holiday trip.
Travel Tips
- If traveling by automobile, make sure your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date and your tires and battery are in good condition. If you need some help getting your vehicle road trip ready, visit AAA.com/AAR to find a reputable AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility near you.
- Air travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of time for international departures. The Auto Club recommends people who drive themselves to the airport to reserve a parking space to make sure you have one, download your airline’s app and check-in for your flight at home to avoid long lines at kiosks in the terminal.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.