More people expected to travel this holiday season than in 2020

OHIO — AAA estimates about 109 million Americans will travel in the 11 day stretch starting Thursday, two days before Christmas.

This year’s estimated travel numbers are up 34 percent from last year, and as Ohioans get ready for their second Christmas with COVID-19 the pandemic is not letting up.

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The state reported more than 8,000 new cases in the last day. That number is more than the days leading up to Christmas last year.

AAA also said those numbers are not causing people to change their holiday plans.

“People are really anxious to get back out, get together with family and friends, travel again,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA’s spokesperson.

Of the 4.4 million Ohioans who will travel for the holiday, 4 million will be on the road.

“We haven’t seen an increase with accidents through our corridor during the holiday season,” said Don Bemberton with the Troy Fire Department.

Monday, the Miami Valley did see some major crashes near I-75 between Troy and Piqua and where Interstates 75 and 70 split in Butler Township.

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The crashes have the Troy Fire Department warning drivers to be careful ahead of the holiday travel season.

“It’s always a reminder to drive safe during this time, the roads are getting busier and everybody’s going to see their family,” Bemberton said.

Meanwhile Hitchens said significantly more people will be flying compared to 2020.

She is expecting air travel in the Miami Valley to be up 181 percent this holiday.

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