Anyone traveling this week for the holidays should budget some extra time, because they won't be alone.
A record 8.1 million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holidays starting Tuesday, according to AAA Texas, many of them by car.
That’s up 4.1 percent from last year and the biggest jump since 2009.
In all, AAA Texas expects 7.5 million Texans to drive from Tuesday through Sunday, Jan. 4.
“We know starting today the roads are going to be extremely busy out there,” said Doug Shupe, with AAA Texas. “You want to allow yourself extra time to get to your destination. Don’t be in a rush.”
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport predicts its busiest holiday season ever, with 3.2 million passengers expected between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4.
“Always a good idea to give yourself the gift of time,” DFW Airport spokesman David Magana. “That is the best gift you can give yourself.”
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Drivers headed home for the holidays are getting an early Christmas present. The average price for regular unleaded gasoline is now just $2.15 a gallon in Texas, which is 90 cents less than last year.
“We’ve been seeing these gas prices move lower and lower, and this is really an early Christmas present for those folks who are taking those holiday road trips,” said Shupe.
