Record Numbers of Holiday Travelers Expected to Hit Oregon Roads, Skies

PORTLAND, OR - A record-setting 1.3 million Oregonians are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home despite one less travel day this holiday season, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The vast majority of travelers—91 percent—will take a road trip, an increase of 1.5 percent over last year. That means nearly 1.2 million will drive in Oregon, according to the AAA projections.

"'Tis the season for travel," said Marie Dodds, Public Affairs Director of AAA Oregon/Idaho. "More Americans than ever before will travel to celebrate the holidays despite climbing gas prices."

Air travel is also expected to increase by 2.5 percent with more than 236,000 Oregonians flying to their holiday destinations. Portland International Airport will see some 60,000 daily passengers on its busiest days of the season -- which are Friday, Dec. 28 and Dec. 29, according to the Port of Portland.

Across America AAA projects more than 103 million people will travel for the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year holidays the most on record.

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