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How to prepare for this year’s busy holiday travel season
Experts are predicting a busy holiday travel season. Here’s what you need to know before going to the airport.
FAQ, USA Today
With the festive season around Christmas and New Year’s Day, people may be worried about getting stuck in bad traffic this time of year.
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, as holiday travel has been making a comeback since the pandemic. Across the country, people can expect to drive up to 25% less than usual.
All modes of transportation will see an increase in travelers this holiday season, with an estimated 3.6 million people traveling more than 50 miles this year from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, 112.7 million more than last year, according to AAA. Of these, 102 million travel by car.
Bob Pishu, transportation analyst at INRIX, said drivers should expect delays when driving in major metropolitan areas.
“In general, the best times to travel are around 2 p.m., before the afternoon commute,” he told USA TODAY in an email. “Along with January 2nd, we expect the busiest days to be December 23rd, 27th and 28th.”
For those driving for their holiday plans, here’s what you need to know:
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When is the worst time to leave for a vacation?
From late afternoon to early evening, during commuting hours, commuters are likely to experience the worst traffic as they meet commuters on the road, INRIX reports.
In general, try to avoid driving between 3pm and 1am
- On December 23, the worst traffic congestion will be between 4pm and 7pm.
- The day after Christmas, the worst traffic will be between 2pm and 6pm.
- The day after New Year’s Day, the worst traffic is predicted to be between 4 and 7 am
When is the best time to leave for vacation?
The days around Christmas and New Year’s are expected to have the least amount of traffic: Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
If traveling on those days is not possible, try to leave in the morning or evening following the post-work commute, advises Pishu.
Generally, the best time to travel is before 2pm and after 8pm.
On Christmas Eve, however, INRIX recommends that people travel before 11am and after 1pm. On Christmas Day, people should travel on the road before noon and after 7pm, before and after 3pm on the day after New Year’s Day. 8 o’clock in the afternoon
How will weather affect holiday traffic?
Bad weather can cause additional delays, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly, Pishu said.
Many will remember the I-95 backup in Virginia, which caused some drivers to be delayed on the freeway overnight, due to snow and ice storms. “While we cannot predict these, or when mountain passes and other roads are closed due to weather, travelers should get the latest information about road closures and delays before making their journey.”
The worst travel times in major US cities
Drivers passing through major cities like Los Angeles and New York City should prepare for twice the usual traffic delays.
Atlanta
- Worst Corridor: I-75 North, GA-17 to I-675.
- Worst day: Monday, January 2
- Worst time: 5:15-6:15 pm
- Maximum travel time increase: 65%.
Chicago
- Worst Corridor: I-290 West, Manheim Road to Paulina Avenue.
- Worst day: Tuesday, December 27
- Worst time: 4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m
- Maximum travel time increase: 75%.
Angels
- Worst Corridor: I-5 South, Colorado Avenue to Florence Avenue.
- Worst day: Tuesday, December 27
- Worst time: 5:30-7:30 p.m
- Maximum travel time increase: 95%.
new york
- Worst Corridor: I-278 West, I-495 to 6th Ave.
- Worst day: Tuesday, December 27
- Worst time: 3:45-5:45 pm
- Maximum travel time increase: 112%.
Washington
- Worst Corridor: I-95 South, MD-212 to Central Ave.
- Worst day: Tuesday, December 27
- Worst time: 9:30-11:30 am
- Maximum travel time increase: 68%.
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