AAA reports the number of U.S. holiday travelers is up 4 percent to a record of 98.6 million this year.

Low gas prices and Christmas falling on a Thursday are contributing factors.

98.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 23 and January 4, an increase of four percent from the 94.8 million people who traveled last year. It's the highest forecast growth rate for the year-end holiday season since 2009 and the highest travel volume for the holiday period on record. AAA began keeping records in 2001.

Nearly 91 percent of all travelers (89.5 million) will celebrate the holidays with a road trip, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2013.

Air travel is forecast to grow one percent from 2013, with 5.7 million travelers taking to the skies.

Marshall L. Doney, AAA President and Chief Operating Officer, explains: "While the economy continues to improve at an uneven pace, it seems more Americans are looking forward with increasing consumer confidence, rather than looking back at the recession. This is helping to drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have seen for the year-end holidays."

"Lower gas prices are filling stockings with a little more cash to spend on travel this year as travelers are expected to pay the lowest prices since 2009," continued Doney. "Lower prices are increasing disposable income and enabling families to set aside money for travel this year."

As of Tuesday, the national average price of gasoline was at the lowest level in five years and 69 cents lower than last year. Gas prices had fallen for 81 days in a row, helping to increase Americans' disposable income 3.5 percent from year-ago levels, which has had a positive effect on travel.

Also, very simply, Christmas on a Thursday is good for travel. It creates a holiday travel season that is one day longer than last year's and offers travelers more options for departures and return trips.

Wherever the holidays take you this season, stay safe and enjoy!

More From 100.5 FM The River