MARQUETTE — With Christmas Eve just days away, the American Automobile Association estimates 119.3 million people will be packing up and traveling at least 50 miles for the 2024 holiday season, an uptick of nearly 3 million compared to last season.

“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”

Upper Peninsula residents may be in luck for their Christmas travels this year. Early weather forecasts appear to be mild, with early weather predictions currently calling for temperatures in the mid-20s with no snow.

Travelers around the U.P. will be paying around $3 per gallion of gas, up a small amount from the AAA average of $2.97 a year ago at this time.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 570. His email addres is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.