More than 103 million Americans - the most on record - are expected to travel for the year-end holidays, according to AAA.

This represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 1.5 million more people traveling, compared with last year. This comes despite one fewer travel day this holiday season.The year-end holiday travel period is defined as FridaytoJan. 2, 2017.The increase in holiday travel this year is being driven by additional consumer spending, a result of improvements in the labor market and rising wages.Additionally, low gas prices and increased consumer optimism will prompt more Americans than ever to set out on road trips, take to the skies, or board trains, buses and cruise ships to celebrate the holidays.AAA estimates U.S. drivers have saved more than $27 billion at the gas pumps so far this year compared with the same period last year.Today's national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.23, 23 cents more than the average price on New Year's Day 2016 ($2).Most U.S. drivers will pay the second-cheapest New Year's Day gas prices since 2009, when the national average was $1.62."It's exciting to see the increase in travel and to know that more people will be bringing cheer to family and friends," said Sally McCorrison, director of travel services, AAA East Central, East Penn Region."With gas prices holding steady, it should make for a joyous holiday travel season."The vast majority of travelers - 93.6 million people - will take a holiday road trip, an increase of 1.5 percent over last year.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.Rates for AAA Two and Three Diamond Rated lodgings are expected to increase 7 percent, with travelers spending an average of $128 and $160 per night, respectively.Daily car rental rates will average $66, slightly lower than last year's holiday travel season.AAA also expects to rescue more than 980,000 motorists over the 11-day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.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.