LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Christmas is just days away, malls, stores, roads, and airports are gearing up for massive crowds. Travel experts predict record national travel this year, with the busiest days expected this weekend ahead of the holiday. “We think that Saturday and Sunday ahead of that are really going to be busy times to travel. That especially on the Sunday it looks like that is shaping up to be the biggest travel day on the roadways,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins from AAA Blue Grass. Nationwide, AAA expects 119 million people to travel from now until the end of the year. In Kentucky, 1.5 million are projected to travel, with 93% driving to their destinations. “So our roadways are going to be very busy, people need to make sure that they give themselves plenty of time to get to their destination, because they could run into some traffic congestion,” Hawkins added. For those dreaming of a white Christmas, experts remind travelers to prepare for winter weather. “Before you head out, make sure you have proper pressure in your tires, and then make sure you have enough tred on the tires for the vehicle that you are taking,” said Hawkins. Looking ahead, AAA predicts the weekend before New Year’s Eve to also be a significant period of travel. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: AAA Blue Grass, Christmas travel, holiday travel, Kentucky travel, Lori Weaver Hawkins, New Year’s travel, record holiday travel, road congestion, tire safety, Winter Weather