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What are the best travel days to avoid heavy holiday traffic? Here's what AAA wants you to know

AAA also says it’s the second-highest year-end travel forecast since they began tracking travel in 2000.

CLEVELAND — Do you have any travel plans this holiday season? You’re definitely not alone!

AAA is projecting that 115.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, which is a 2.2 percent increase when compared to last year.

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AAA also says it’s the second-highest year-end travel forecast since they began tracking travel in 2000. The busiest Christmas and New Year travel period on record happened back in 2019 when AAA says there were 119 million travelers.

“This year’s holiday forecast is a perfect example of the strong travel trends we’ve been seeing all year,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “More Americans are investing in travel, so they can make those special memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

The majority of those people are expected to make their travels by road.

So what are the best / worst times for traffic this year? Here’s a guide from AAA…

SATURDAY, DEC. 23

  • Best time: Before 10 a.m.
  • Worst time: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 24

  • Minimal traffic impact

MONDAY, DEC. 25

  • Minimal traffic impact

TUESDAY, DEC. 26

  • Best time: Before noon
  • Worst time: 1-5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27

  • Best time: Before noon
  • Worst time: 1-7 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 28

  • Best time: Before noon
  • Worst time: 2-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 29

  • Best time: Before noon
  • Worst time: 2-8 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

  • Best time: Before noon
  • Worst time: 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

  • Minimal traffic impact

MONDAY, JAN. 1

  • Minimal traffic impact

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