Vacation Real Estate News
Record 119 Million Americans Traveling Over the Christmas Holidays
Hotels and cruise ships across America are going to be very busy in late 2024 as AAA predicts that 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday period, spanning Saturday, December 21, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025. This projection slightly exceeds the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers, with an estimated 3 million more people traveling compared to last year.
"The year-end holidays are a special time for creating lasting memories with loved ones, and travel is a big part of that," said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. "With Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday this year, we anticipate record-breaking travel numbers for the weekends before and after the holiday."
Top destinations for the 2024 holiday season include tropical locations, with many travelers opting for beach resorts or cruises to close out the year. Southern gems like Charleston and New Orleans also rank among the top 10 domestic destinations. Internationally, Bahrain has emerged as a top pick, thanks to its popular cruise port, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Domestic cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.
