Record-Setting Holiday Travel Expected: 122.4 Million Americans, 388,000 South Dakotans to Travel

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Year-end holiday travel is projected to reach an all-time high, with AAA forecasting that 122.4 million Americans, including 388,000 South Dakotans, will travel at least 50 miles from home. This forecast covers the 13 days from December 20 to January 1 and represents a 2.2% increase over last year, setting a new national record.

For South Dakota specifically, the projected 388,000 travelers mark a 1% increase from the previous year.

“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”

Driving Remains the Dominant Mode of Travel

Driving remains the overwhelming choice for holiday travelers, primarily because of its convenience and relatively low cost.

• Nationally: 109.5 million Americans (89% of all travelers) are expected to take a road trip, a 2% increase from 2024.

• South Dakota: Nearly 92% of local travelers—approximately 356,000 individuals—will drive to their destinations.

Fuel prices are notably lower than last year, with the national average dropping below $3 a gallon for the first time in four years. As of December 10, the average gas price in South Dakota was $2.70 per gallon, one of the lowest in the nation.

AAA encourages drivers to prioritize safety and reminds travelers that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The organization and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) urge travelers to plan safe rides home. Additionally, drivers are reminded to obey Slow Down, Move Over laws when approaching stopped vehicles, law enforcement, or tow truck technicians on the roadside.

Air and Other Travel Modes See Significant Growth

Air travel is expected to set a new record, with 8.03 million Americans projected to take domestic flights, a 2.3% increase over last year.

• In South Dakota, air travel is projected to increase by 4.0%, with approximately 16,644 travelers.

• The category encompassing other modes of travel, such as bus, train, and cruise, is projected to see the most significant increase nationally (9.1% growth, or 4.9 million people) and locally (9.4% growth, or 15,719 travelers in South Dakota). This growth is primarily attributed to record-setting demand for cruises post-pandemic.

Travelers should be aware of price variations during the holiday season. Domestic flights are 7% more expensive this year, with the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day being the priciest times to fly. However, cruises departing from both domestic and international cities are currently forecast to be cheaper than last year.