Home for Christmas? Or headed out?

A record breaking 4.9 million Carolinians plan to travel during the year-end holiday season this year, which is a 3.9% increase from last year. AAA forecasts that approximately 3.3 million North Carolinians and 1.6 million South Carolinians will travel by automobiles, planes, trains and other modes during the end of year holiday travel period – which is defined as Sunday, Dec. 22 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. “While most Carolinians will be paying higher gas prices than last year, that won’t stop them from hitting the road during this time of the year to spend time with family and friends,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “Everyone needs to prepare now for crowded roadways and airports, as this marks the highest travel volume for the year-end holidays in the Carolinas.” The majority of travelers will be driving to their destinations, with just over 3 million North Carolinians and 1.4 million South Carolinians hitting the roads over the 11 day holiday period. Those traveling by car will likely be doing so with higher gas prices than this time last year. As of December 12, North Carolinians are seeing an average price of $2.37, which is nine cents more than this time last year and 18 cents more than last Christmas. South Carolinians are seeing an average price of $2.28, which is 23 cents more than this time last year and 31 cents more than last Christmas. AAA Carolinas recommends that motorists avoid driving through major cities during peak travel times. The best times to leave are typically early morning or after the morning commute because the roads should be less congested and motorists will have more time to reach their destinations safely. Traveling on the holiday itself (Christmas Day) often results in fewer cars on the road. Since the majority of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, AAA Carolinas expects to rescue over 22,000 motorists during the year-end holiday period. Car battery-related issues, lockouts and flat tires are typically the leading reasons AAA is called over the holidays.