AAA Forecasts Busiest Holiday Travel Break Since ’01

Auto club estimates 3.5 million travelers between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

AAA predicts an increase in holiday travel this year. The auto club says almost 3.5 million people in Michigan will venture at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan 2. That’s about 80,000 more travelers than last year. AAA spokeswoman Susan Hiltz tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller it’s the group’s highest estimate since it started tracking travel data in 2001. Hiltz also says drivers can expect to pay higher gasoline prices than they did during the end of 2016. The auto club says the average price of unleaded gasoline in Michigan as of Dec. 19 is $2.25 per gallon. It was $1.83 one year ago. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation.

AAA gas prices 

Author

  • Pat Batcheller
    Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.