GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – People from all over the country will be hitting the rails, roadways, and runways in historic numbers this week for holiday travel.
Nick Jarmusz with AAA Wisconsin gives some insight.
“AAA is projecting that this is going to be our busiest year-end holiday travel season on record,” he says.
The organization is expecting 112.5 million travelers nationwide, which would be the highest number they’ve encountered since they began keeping track of holiday figures.
Jarmusz says the upward travel trend is taking place in-state as well.
“Here in Wisconsin we’re expecting a little over 2 million folks that are going to be traveling, at some point during that period, and that’s up almost five percent from last year,” he explains.
There’s a couple of factors that can be attributed to this trend.
“Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for season travel,” says Bryan Shilling, managing director, AAA Travel products and services. “With a record-breaking one-third of the country choosing to travel this holiday, roadways and airports are sure to be busy.”
Jarmusz says the roads will be especially congested on Thursday and Friday.
“You have folks who are starting to head out to visit family or to take their winter vacation mixing in with those still doing their daily commutes on Thursday and Friday,” he explains.
While the roads will be congested, so will the airways.
6.7 million people are expected to travel by air this year, which would be the highest level in 15 years. That impact will be felt locally as lines will be longer at Austin Straubel International Airport and Appleton International Airport.
“A lot of those people are also going to be infrequent travelers who may not know what the current rules or procedures are,” explains Jarmusz.
Lastly, he reminds motorists to never get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
And in addition to having a sober ride, he lists some other important factors for those that will be driving during the holidays.
“Being well-rested and alert while you’re driving,” he explains. “Avoiding any distracting behaviors and planning your route out ahead.”
