KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – More than 103 million Americans will travel for the year-end holidays, according to AAA’s Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast.

This represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 1.5 million more travelers than last year, and the highest total volume since AAA began tracking holiday travel data in 2001.

The increase in holiday travel this year is being driven by additional consumer spending, a result of improvements in the labor market and rising wages. Additionally, low gas prices and increased consumer optimism will prompt more Americans than ever to set out on road trips, take to the skies, or board trains, buses and cruise ships to celebrate the holidays.

2016-17 Year-End Holiday Forecast Summary
• 103.1 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more
• The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Friday, December 23 to Monday, January 2, 2017 – one fewer day than last year’s holiday
• A record number of Americans will drive (93.6 million)
• Six million Americans will fly – the fourth-highest volume of air passengers (the top three were 2002/03 – 7.3 million, 2003/04 – 7.1 million, and 2004/05 – 6.4 million)
• “Other modes” volume fell 0.3% (10,000 fewer Americans than 2015). The decline is attributed to a shift toward more auto and air travelers
• Gas prices on New Year’s Day will likely be higher than the average on January 1, 2016. Pump prices could also rival those on 1/1/15, but remain below year-end holiday levels dating back to 2009.
• Compared to last year, average prices are $30 higher for Airfares ($204), $2 lower for car rentals ($66), $9 higher for AAA Two Diamond-Rated Hotels ($128), and $10 higher for AAA Three Diamond-Rated hotels ($160)
• AAA expects to rescue more than 980,000 motorists over the 11-day holiday travel period

Safe Driving Tips for Motorists
• Check windshield wipers and inspect tires to ensure safe drivability before setting out
• Pack an emergency kit containing a snow shovel, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, warning devices and extra warm clothing for everyone riding in the vehicle
• When driving, slow down and do not tailgate
• Leave following distances to a minimum of five to six seconds to allow additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary
• Minimize distractions while behind the wheel