Holiday Weeks Travel Guide: The Best Days to Go

With AAA predicting another record year for holiday travel, Hudson Valley commuters should prepare before hitting the road. AAA projections indicate that an estimated 122.4 million people across the US are expected to travel a minimum of 50 miles for the Christmas/New Year's holidays, this number is up 2% from 2024 numbers. Within that predicted number, nearly 89% (around 110 million) will travel by car.

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Holiday Travel: When To Go, When To Say No

With the 'travel period' spanning a total of 13 days (December 20th-January 1st), there are certain to be times that are better/worse than others when it comes to being on the road.

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Surprisingly, the 'minimal traffic' days are on the holidays, with Wednesday December 24th and Thursday December 25th labeled as low travel days, if you're planning to leave on Tuesday the 23rd, winter weather may impact your plans, but the most densely populated roads are predicted between 1pm and 7pm. Friday 12/26 through Monday 12/29, plan to be on the road early in order to avoid the 'worst travel times' which fall between 11am and 8pm.

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As with the Christmas holidays, AAA predicts both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to both have minimal traffic when compared to the days leading up to those holidays.

Holiday Travel Tips

For those heading out of town by air, remember to give yourself extra time, and consider keeping any gifts you may be traveling with unwrapped in order to make the security process easier. With regard to air travel this week, the FAA is predicting more than 440,000 flights during the period of December 18th through December 27th.

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AAA is reporting that a predicted 8 million people will travel domestically during the holidays this year, up 2.3% when compared to 2024 numbers.

AAA also shared an 'uptick in alternative holiday travel,' with an expected 9% increase in other modes of travel, with 4.9 million heading out of town by bus, train, or cruise.

Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, and safe travels!

8 Magical Drive & Walk-Thru Holiday Light Displays Across the Hudson Valley

Who doesn't love driving around looking at Christmas lights? Check out these 8 displays across the Hudson Valley where guest can drive or walk-thru to get in the holiday spirit.