Traditionally today is one of the busiest travel days of the year but the pandemic has changed most traditions in 2020. AAA estimated 34 million fewer Americans will travel for the holiday season as COVID cases continue to rise. AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria says many people are heeding the health warnings and staying home.
“About three-quarters of Americans will be doing just that, that’s to account for about a 30-percent decline in overall travel,” said Chabarria.
While fewer Americans are traveling compared to last year as many as 84.5 million may still travel today through January 3rd. Chabarria said the majority of those travelers will be making a road trip.
“Road trips are expected to account for about 96, 97 percent of all travel and that’s really a trend that we’ve seen throughout the year, throughout the pandemic,” said Chabarria.
Regionally travelers in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are expected to total 9.2 million, down 27-percent from last year.
If you are traveling by car, Chabarria said gas prices are down about 20 to 30 cents compared to last year and the average price per gallon in Louisiana is $1.94.
“Second cheapest price in the country right now at $1.94 in Louisiana. So, if you’re headed out of state or even locally it may pay to fill up at home before you head out,” said Chabarria.
AAA said air travel is down 60-percent from last year. Cruise, bus, and train travel is down 88-percent.
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