Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season.
The AAA is estimating that more than 109 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 23 and January 2 — an increase of almost 34 percent from last year.
The dramatic bounce-back — 27.7 million more people traveling — will bring this year’s numbers to 92 percent of 2019 levels. Airlines will see a 184 percent increase from last year.
“Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still be mindful of the pandemic and the new omicron variant,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.
“With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel.”
