With one of the snowiest Decembers in years blanketing Iowa, record numbers of residents are expected to leave the state during the year-end holidays — many heading for warmer destinations.
AAA-Iowa spokesperson Brian Ortner says more than nine million people across a seven-state region that includes Iowa will travel between December 20 and January 1. That’s about a one-percent increase over last year, while nationwide travel is projected to rise more than two percent.
Ortner says the continued rebound from the pandemic is driving the surge.
“People are eager to travel — that’s the biggest thing,” Ortner says. “Even six years removed from COVID, there’s been a mental shift. Travel has become more of a need-to-do rather than a want-to-do.”
Warm-weather destinations continue to dominate holiday travel plans. Four of the top ten domestic locations are in Florida, along with Honolulu, Maui, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Ortner says international travel trends are also evolving.
“There’s been a shift toward the Caribbean and Mexico for Iowans and our neighboring states,” he says. “One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is the growth in what AAA calls ‘other’ transportation — cruises — and that’s across all age groups, from young travelers to families and singles.”
Most holiday travelers will still be driving, but those flying can expect higher costs. Ortner says domestic airfare is averaging about $890 for a roundtrip ticket, up seven percent from last year. Hotel prices are up 13 percent, and rental cars are up about one percent.
International travel, however, is becoming more affordable.
“International flight costs are down about 14 percent, averaging around $1,400 for a roundtrip ticket,” Ortner says.
Drivers may find some relief at the gas pump. Ortner notes the national average gasoline price has dropped below $3 per gallon for the first time in more than four years.
“We’re at least ten cents per gallon lower across Iowa compared to this time last year,” he says. “That’s definitely an advantage for anyone hitting the road.”
The statewide average price for gasoline is currently $2.52 per gallon, down from $2.70 a year ago, and well below the national average of $2.94.
