A record 8.7 million Texans, one of every three people in the state, will be traveling at least fifty miles from home over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, according to AAA Texas, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
AAA says the holiday lasts from December 23 through January first, and the prediction is for traffic volumes nearly three percent higher than this time in 2016.
And AAA Texas' Daniel Armbruster says that means a lot of highway and airport hassles.
"Traffic congestion on the roadways and at the airport will begin as early as the 20th, so you can expect that to have an impact," Armbruster told News Radio 1200 WOAI. "You will have those regular commuters on those weekdays, and you will also have the holiday people traveling."
AAA credits the strong economy and low unemployment rate, which means many people have money in their pockets, combined with the relatively low price of gasoline and air fare bargains for the traffic crunch.
And Armbruster says whether you're driving to the store or to work, or leaving on an international voyage, you'll have to be prepared for the traffic loads.
"Be prepared for congestion on the roads," he said. "If you travel to the airport, be there two hours ahead of time, and be prepared for delays."
The vast majority of those 8.7 million Texas travelers will be going by car, but record volumes are also expected on airlines, as well as on non traditional types of travel like buses, trains, and even cruise ships.