Tampa Joins Orlando, Miami, Maui, Dallas in Record-Breaking US Travel Demand, Don’t Get Stranded! The Road Trip Safety and Fuel Prep You Need for the Busiest Holiday Season, Here is Everything You Need to Know Now

Published on December 17, 2025

A travel tidal wave is coming. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts an unprecedented holiday rush this year. Over the 13-day period spanning from December 20 to January 1, a record 122.4 million Americans plan to travel. This forecast shatters last year’s record by a massive 2.2%. This is not a drill; the roads, airports and hotels will be packed. To survive this travel surge, you must prepare. Travel is a mix of family visits, friend gatherings and tropical escapes. People want to return home or explore new destinations. This analysis focuses on five of the most popular places. We look at everything you need to know if you are heading to Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Maui, or Dallas. Ignore this crucial preparation and you risk being stranded in the holiday chaos. Do not let traffic, high prices, or poor planning ruin your well-deserved vacation.

The Unprecedented Rush: Analyzing the Record-Breaking Forecast

This year’s forecast is a clear sign that Americans are eager to travel. The sheer number—122.4 million people—is staggering. Most of these travelers will hit the highways. AAA projects a massive 109.5 million Americans will travel by car. This makes driving the overwhelming favorite. Why? It offers convenience and is generally seen as low-cost. Nearly 89% of all holiday travelers will take a road trip. The low national average for gas prices this month also helps. This is a powerful motivator for families planning their routes to places like Tampa or Dallas.

Air travel is also surging. A record 8.03 million people will fly domestically. This is the first time domestic air traveler numbers have ever exceeded 8 million for this holiday period. Flights are expensive, though. A roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more costly this year, averaging close to $900 per ticket. Other travel modes, like bus, train and cruise, are up 9%. This rise is driven by record post-pandemic demand for cruises. This makes warm-weather ports like Miami and Tampa even busier. Whether you drive to Orlando or fly to Maui, demand is through the roof.

The desire to escape the cold is evident in the top destinations. Warm-weather havens dominate the domestic list. People are flocking to Florida’s major cities. They are also seeking island getaways. These popular choices—Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Maui and Dallas—will see the biggest impact. Smart travelers must plan for safety, fuel and lodging now.

Road Warriors: The Car Travel Surge and Your Safety Plan

When 109.5 million people decide to drive, the roads become a major risk zone. Your safety must be the priority. Last year’s holiday period saw AAA respond to over 860,000 emergency roadside assistance calls. Drivers needed help with dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks. Do not become one of these statistics.

Before you leave for Dallas or Orlando, complete a full vehicle check. Check your tire pressure and tread depth. Top off all fluids. Test your battery. Pack an emergency kit that includes jumper cables and a first-aid kit. This simple preparation is essential for a smooth journey to Tampa or an extensive road trip across the long highways to Dallas.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. This is an important reminder. The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times on the road. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) urge everyone to plan safe rides home. Never drink and drive. This rule applies whether you are celebrating in New York City or having a late dinner near the coast in Miami.

You must also know the “Slow Down, Move Over” law. When you see stopped vehicles on the side of the road, you must reduce your speed. Change lanes if you can. This protects tow truck technicians, law enforcement and other stranded individuals. Congestion will be intense around major metropolitan areas. Traffic delays will be brutal near Orlando’s theme parks. Roads around Tampa will also see increased congestion. Be vigilant. Do your part to keep everyone safe during the holiday rush to destinations like Maui and Dallas.

Sun-Seeking Safaris: Essential Road Trip Prep for Florida’s Hotspots

Florida is the clear winner for domestic travel this year. Three of the top six destinations are located in the Sunshine State: Orlando (Rank 1), Miami (Rank 3) and Tampa (Rank 6). If your road trip takes you to any of these cities, prepare for warmth, crowds and logistical challenges.

Orlando: The Theme Park Thrill Center

Orlando is the ultimate family-friendly holiday destination. The city draws visitors with Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

Temperature and Packing: Expect beautiful, mild winter weather. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Pack light clothes and plenty of sunscreen. You will need layers for cooler evenings, but heavy coats are unnecessary in Orlando.

Driving and Accommodation: The theme parks are the biggest challenge. Expect long lines both in the parks and on the roads leading to them. Traffic congestion near the parks during peak season is unavoidable. Make reservations for theme park tickets and dining months in advance. You must plan to drive to reach everything in Orlando. If you want a more relaxed experience, consider staying in nearby Kissimmee. Hotels there are often cheaper and less busy than those right on the property in Orlando.

Miami: The Tropical Celebration Hub

Miami is famous for its lively beach scene and vibrant New Year’s Eve parties. It is a destination for those seeking energy and glamour.

Temperature and Packing: Miami offers sunny beaches and very mild winter weather. You can expect high demand for beachfront hotels and restaurants. A hat and sunglasses are essential for the sunny days on South Beach.

Driving and Accommodation: You must book your hotel far in advance. Holiday parades and yacht shows add to the festive atmosphere, but they also create severe traffic. Plan for heavy traffic, particularly around South Beach. While some areas of Miami are walkable, a car is necessary for exploring the wider area or driving north to Orlando. If you visit Little Havana, check bus services so you can enjoy a Mojito without worrying about driving back to your Miami hotel.

Tampa: The Cultural and Coastal Alternative

Tampa is a great choice if you seek a major destination with slightly fewer crowds than Orlando or Miami.

Temperature and Packing: The weather in Tampa is similar to the rest of Florida—warm and pleasant. Pack comfortable walking shoes.

Driving and Exploration: Tampa is known for its cultural attractions and sunshine. It is a quieter destination, yet it still provides a festive atmosphere. Consider renting a bike to explore historic districts like Ybor City in Tampa. The convenience of the Tampa airport and the manageability of the city itself make it an excellent starting point for a Florida road trip. You can easily drive from Tampa to Orlando in just an hour or two. You can then drive south to Miami and the Keys. Tampa offers a less frenetic pace than its flashier counterparts.

The high demand for all three Florida locations (Tampa, Orlando, Miami) means travelers must prioritize hotel and park reservations. Do not arrive hoping to find a last-minute room near the beaches of Miami or the theme parks of Orlando.

Island Hopping and Texan Highways: Unique Logistics for Maui and Dallas

Not all top destinations are easy road trips. Travel to Maui and Dallas involves unique logistical planning.

Maui: The Hawaiian Island Escape

Maui is a stunning tropical island ranked as the 8th most popular domestic spot. Its logistics are completely different from a mainland road trip to Dallas.

Temperature and Packing: Maui is warm all year. Winter sees average high temperatures around 78°F. This is also the rainier, or “wet,” season, but the showers are usually short and tropical. The rain makes the island incredibly lush. Pack light, but bring a jacket or sweater if you plan to visit high elevations, like the Haleakala Summit for sunrise. It gets very cold at the top of Maui’s famous volcano.

Driving and Fuel: A car is essential on Maui. Most places are not within walking distance. However, driving around the island is generally a breeze. The challenge is the cost. Gas is expensive on Maui. The good news? The island is small, so you may only need to fuel up once or twice during your stay. Car rental is also costly, sometimes over $100–$200 per day.

The famous Road to Hana on Maui is an adventure. It is a narrow, winding road with over 600 curves and 50 bridges. Renting a Jeep or SUV is recommended for comfort. You can also drive the backside of Hana. A trip to Maui requires booking lodging far in advance. Expect high costs for hotels and condos, which are far pricier than a night in Dallas or even Miami.

Dallas/Fort Worth: The Texan Metroplex

Dallas/Fort Worth is ranked 9th and is a massive, sprawling city that requires a vehicle. A trip to Dallas is pure Americana road tripping.

Temperature and Packing: Winter in Dallas is mild to cold. Expect temperatures in the 55–65°F range. It is a dry cold, unlike the humidity of Tampa or Miami. Snow is rare.

Driving and Fuel: Renting a car is the most popular way to explore the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Public transportation (DART) exists, but a car gives you the freedom you need in this large metroplex. Fuel costs in Texas are generally lower than the national average. This makes driving to Dallas economical.

Road Trip Tip: If you drive into Dallas from a neighboring state, look for a Buc-ee’s store. This iconic Texas stop offers abundant fuel pumps, spotlessly clean restrooms and a massive selection of snacks. It is a quintessential Texas road trip stop that helps you refuel before tackling the traffic in Dallas. Finding parking near downtown attractions in Dallas can be challenging, so plan garage or lot locations beforehand.

Timing is Everything: Dodging the Worst Traffic Jams

This year’s holiday travel period is 13 days long. It includes two full weekends. Knowing when to drive is as important as knowing where you are going (like Maui or Orlando).

Transportation data provider INRIX predicts that Christmas week will be busier than New Year’s week. The absolute worst travel days on the road will be the weekends before and after Christmas.

Mark your calendar for these critical travel times:

• Saturday, December 20: The worst travel time is 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Travel after 9:00 PM instead.
• Friday, December 26: The afternoon is terrible, with the worst time from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Travel before 11:00 AM to beat the post-Christmas rush from Tampa or Dallas.

The best days to drive are Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1). Traffic impact is expected to be minimal on these two holidays. You must avoid the late afternoon and early evening on any other travel day.

Regional traffic can be especially terrible. The estimated travel time increase for routes in some metros will more than double. For example, a route near Washington, D.C., is predicted to see a 133% travel time increase compared to a typical day. A route near Boston is expected to see a 126% increase. This means a 2-hour drive turns into over 4.5 hours. Severe congestion will plague the major routes around Orlando and Miami. Expect significant delays on the highways leading into Tampa. Even though Dallas is centrally located, its major highways will not be immune to the congestion. Travel at off-peak hours to destinations like Maui (before 10 AM) or Dallas (avoiding 4-6 PM) to save hours of frustration.

Do not get stuck in the traffic. Plan your departure time carefully, especially if you have a non-refundable flight to Maui.

Final Call to Action: Plan Your Escape Now

A record number of Americans are traveling this holiday season. This creates a high-stakes environment for everyone hitting the roads and skies. From the theme parks of Orlando to the historic streets of Tampa, demand is peaking. The sunny beaches of Miami and the vast metroplex of Dallas await, but only for the prepared traveler. The volcanic landscapes of Maui are calling, but tickets and rooms are scarce.

You must not wait to finalize your plans. Secure your lodging in Orlando, Miami and Tampa immediately. Complete your vehicle maintenance before you hit the long roads toward Dallas. Book your expensive airfare and hotel on Maui without delay. Prioritize safety by checking your car and never driving impaired. Remember to be patient and plan your travel times to avoid the worst congestion. Do not let this record-breaking holiday season strand you on the side of the road. Prepare now for a memorable, safe and exciting journey to Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Maui or Dallas.