AAA says about 1/3rd of Delawareans will travel more than 50 miles over holiday period

 AAA estimates nearly more than 325,000 Delawareans, about 33% of the population, will travel 50 miles or more for the year-end holidays, an increase of 3.3% over last year and closing in on pre-pandemic levels. AAA defines the year-end holiday travel period from December 23 to January 2.

“This year, travel time will be extended due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays,” says Jana Tidwell, public and government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return.”

2022 Projected Year-End Holiday Travelers – Delaware

*U.S. Census Bureau (v2021)/IHS Markit

Road Travel and Gas Prices

Consistent with most travel holidays, more than 90% of travelers – or nearly 293,000 Delawareans will be driving to their holiday destinations, a 2% increase over 2021. “The good news is that drivers will definitely be seeing the cheapest gas prices of the year, with national and Delaware gas prices trending below this time last year and the lowest prices since October 2021,” says Tidwell. Today’s national gas price average is $3.14, compared to $3.30 a year ago. The Delaware gas price average is $3.14 today compared to $3.29 the same time last year.

“The seasonal pattern of less driving due to shorter days, combined with lower oil costs, has been driving gas prices lower,” Tidwell adds. “If this trend continues, many states could see their average prices below $3 a gallon by early next year.” 

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

Best/Worst Times to Travel

INRIX, a provider of transportation analytics and insights, expects the most congested days on the road to be the Friday before Christmas, December 23, as well as December 27 and 28. Monday, January 2, is also expected to be a busy day on the roads, as travelers mix with commuters. In major metros, especially in Los Angeles and New York City, drivers could experience double the typical delays. Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 25% longer.

“With pre-pandemic levels of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in and around major metro areas, with Tuesday, December 27 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the afternoon commute.”

Best & Worst Times to Travel by Car