Nationally, 87.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for the holiday season, an increase of 3.8% from 2008, according to the American Automobile Association.

Travel greater rebound in Wisconsin. More than 1.7 million people plan to make the long trip to the Christmas and New Year holidays. It increased 10.6% from last year.

Most travelers Wisconsin this year – 1:55 million – will be driving to their holiday destination. About 80,000 will fly to their holiday travel. The rest will travel by train, boat, bus or take a lot of transportation modes.

“More and more Americans traveling during the winter vacation was another sign that consumers continue to grow more confident in their personal financial situation,” AAA Wisconsin regional president Tom Frymark said. “The moderate projected increase in the number of air travelers this holiday season especially welcome since the airline industry particularly hard hit by the recession.”

Drivers will pay more for fuel. Gas is about $ 1.78 per gallon in the Milwaukee area a year ago. Now, it’s about $ 2.55 per gallon.

Will spend a lot of time and money on the street. Americans are expected to spend about $ 1009 per household in travel during Christmas and New Year holiday period and most of the money would be spent on transportation, according to AAA. Travelers will average 791 miles roundtrip.