As Minnesotans prepare to travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays, they can expect to share the roads and skies with a record number of fellow travelers. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a projected 119.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between Saturday, December 21, and Wednesday, January 1—up by 3 million from last year and surpassing even pre-pandemic holiday travel levels in 2019.
While the travel surge may sound daunting, there’s good news for Minnesotans: travel costs are down. Despite the high volume of travelers, gas prices have dropped significantly, providing some relief for those hitting the road. As of December 18, AAA Minnesota reported the statewide average for unleaded gasoline had fallen to $2.87 per gallon, a drop of nearly 20 cents from earlier this fall. This marks a continued trend since the price dropped below $3 a gallon for the first time in months on November 12.
Car Travel Dominates, but Air Travel Sees Growth
AAA notes that while many will be flying, over 89 percent of holiday travel will still be done by car. For Minnesota, the busiest travel days are expected to be the weekends leading up to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Thankfully, holiday travel on the actual days themselves, Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, should experience minimal congestion.
The increase in travel numbers is attributed not only to falling gas prices but also to the lingering holiday spirit. As people seek to reconnect with loved ones after years of pandemic disruptions, this year’s festive season promises to bring a surge in travel across the state and the nation.
For those embarking on their holiday journey, the good news is that while travel volumes are at an all-time high, your wallet may not take as big of a hit as it has in previous years, thanks to the ongoing dip in travel-related expenses.
With a combination of cheaper gas prices and pent-up demand for family gatherings, Minnesotans and Americans alike can expect to hit the road in full force this holiday season—making it a festive time of year for travel, togetherness, and celebration.
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