The holiday season is in full swing and many people are taking advantage of their time off by traveling to see family and friends.  

Michael J. Right, vice president of public affairs with AAA, said 103 million Americans — the most on record — are expected to travel for the year-end holidays.

“We are looking at an increase from last year 1.5 percent,” Right said. “The vast majority of those — about 91 percent will be traveling by motor vehicle and motor vehicle will account for 93.6 million of those Americans traveling.”

Right said air travel is expected to increase by 2.5 percent, with more than 6 million Americans flying to their holiday destinations. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will decrease slightly, to 3.5 million travelers.

For those traveling longer distances, experts say it is important to take advantage of state welcome centers.

“It is always busier during the holiday season,” said Sandra Chambers, supervisor for a Mississippi Welcome Center. “Since Monday, the least amount of traffic we’ve had is 698 people that have actually signed in each day. I anticipate it will be a whole lot busier on the weekends and until the kids go back to school.”

Bob and Kathy Kuntz, from Raleigh, North Carolina, stopped to rest and walk their dog at the welcome center on their way to Louisiana to visit their son and his family.

 “This was a last minute decision for us to go and visit,” Kathy Kuntz said. “We were going to just stay home but decided to go. We are really excited.”

Rick Armstrong also took advantage of the welcome center. He’s also from North Carolina, but is moving to Texas the first of the year.

“I needed a coffee break and a rest from driving my truck pulling my fishing boat,” he said. “I will be spending Christmas with my mother and all of my family. I have a really big family out there and I can’t wait to move back.”

For those traveling with pets, Dr. Misty McNeil, a Mississippi veterinarian, offers several tips to keep furry friends safe and comfortable.

“The main thing to watch out for — when you stop to let your pet get out and move around make sure they are secure — and have a collar on with their name on it in case they get loose,” McNeil said. “Some pets get car sick so it’s better not to feed them before traveling, just offer them some water periodically.”

McNeil said when traveling with a pet who gets motion sickness there are medicines doctors can prescribe to help.  

The increase in holiday travel this year is being driven by the economy, which Right attributes to unemployment being down, consumer confidence improving, as well as an uptick in disposable income. Gas prices are a major contributor to the travel boom, he said.

“Despite the most recent increases in gasoline prices drivers in the United States have saved more than $27 billion at the gas pumps so far this year compared to the same period last year,” Right said. “Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.25, 25 cents more than the average price on New Year’s Day 2016.”

Owens writes for the Meridian, Mississippi Star.

• For motorists who may encounter winter weather conditions during their holiday road trips, AAA recommends checking windshield wipers and inspecting tires to ensure safe drivability before setting out.
• Pack an emergency kit containing a snow shovel, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables. warning devices and extra warm clothing for everyone riding in the vehicle. When driving slow down and do not tailgate. 
• Before hitting the road, drivers should also get plenty of sleep to avoid driving drowsy.
• For long trips, drivers should travel at times when normally awake, schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles.
• Avoid heavy foods, travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving, and avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.