Auto Club: Record Number Of 10.2 Million Southern Californians To Travel Over Year-End Holidays

The Auto Club projects an all-time record number of 10.2 million Southern Californians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday travel period. This year’s forecast is a 2.8% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s volume of 9.9 million Southern California travelers.

Nationally, AAA expects 122.4 million Americans to travel for the year-end holidays—also the busiest on record—with 2.7 million more travelers than last year. The 13-day year-end holiday period runs from Saturday, Dec. 20 to Thursday, Jan 1.

“Year-end travel brings together everything from family road trips and friends’ getaways to tropical escapes,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Each household celebrates the season differently, but the common thread is a shared desire to travel—whether heading home or discovering someplace new.”

Travel by Car

• AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will drive, including 8.9 million Southern Californians, which is 87.4% of total travel volume.
• Safety reminder: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) encourage travelers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road.

Travel by Air

• 8 million Americans, including 945,000 Southern Californians, are expected to fly—a 2.3% increase over 2024 nationally and an increase of 1.7% locally.
• According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more expensive this year, averaging nearly $900 a ticket.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are lower compared to last holiday season nationally but are still 10 to 20 cents higher per gallon in Southern California than at this time in 2024. The national average gas price is under $3 per gallon for the first time since May 2021, while Southern California gas price averages are between about $4.40 and $4.60 a gallon in most areas.

Top Year-End Destinations

Southern Californians will primarily travel to popular driving-distance destinations such as San Diego, Las Vegas, Anaheim, the Central Coast, and national parks in California and Arizona. AAA national booking data shows these top domestic and international picks for U.S. residents:

Travel Tips

• Road trips: Check tires, battery, and maintenance before hitting the road. AAA expects to respond to more than 200,000 roadside assistance calls in California this holiday. Find a AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop at AAA.com/AAR.
• Air Travel: This will be the first time on record that the number of U.S. domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. Book parking, check in online, and allow extra time at airports.

Traffic Outlook

Interstates will be extra congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday. Friday, December 26 is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day. Because the year-end holiday travel period spans a longer time frame, travelers have more options for departures and returns. The holidays themselves - Christmas and New Year’s Day - are typically the lightest traffic-wise but remember crashes or severe weather could create unexpected delays.

Locally, eastbound Interstate 10 between Los Angeles and Phoenix is expected to be the most congested route in the area on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 20, when travel times are expected to more than double.

About AAA

Founded in 1902, AAA is one of North America’s largest membership organizations, serving 65 million members with roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial, and insurance services. Learn more at AAA.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aaaautoclubenterprises.