NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — For the national year-end holiday travel period, AAA estimates that 119.3 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles. The travel period runs from Saturday, December 21 until January 1, 2025. "This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that," explained the Vice President of AAA Travel, Stacey Barber. "This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we're anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holidays." And for those traveling, the most preferred method is by car, with 89.7% of people choosing to drive. Many people, especially families, like the flexibility and lower cost that road trips can provide. And gas prices are lower than last year. Specifically in North Dakota, the current state average for gas is $2.832, while the national average sits at $3.050. Here are what some of the counties are sitting at: Burleigh County: $2.881 Morton County: $2.845 Stark County: $2.906 Ward County: $2.881 Williams County: $2.934 Air travel is expected to set a new record with 7.85 million people flying to their location for the holidays. Sleep troubles: 5 things kids should avoid for better sleep With the majority of people choosing to drive, AAA has some road trip safety tips they want to share. Follow posted speed limits Drive only when alert and refreshed Slow down, move over AAA also shared the best and worst times to drive. "With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22 expected to be the nation's worst day to travel," shared Transportation Analyst at INRIX, Bob Pishue. "Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute." Here are the best times to travel: December 19: Before 11 a.m. December 20: Before 11 a.m. December 21: Before 2 p.m. December 22: Before noon December 23; Before 11 a.m. December 26: Before 11 a.m. December 27: Before 2 p.m. December 28: Before 11 a.m. December 29: Before 11 a.m. December 30: Before 2 p.m. January 2: Before 3 p.m. Here are the worst times to travel: December 19: Between 3-8 p.m. December 20: Between 1-8 p.m. December 21: Between 4-8 p.m. December 22: Between 3-8 p.m. December 23: Between 1-6 p.m. December 24: Minimal impact December 25: Minimal impact December 26: Between 12-5 p.m. December 27: Between 3-7 p.m. December 28: Between 1:30-7 p.m. December 29: Between 12-6 p.m. December 30: Between 5-7 p.m. December 31: Minimal impact January 1: Minimal impact January 2:Between 4-8 p.m. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW