As many people travel for the holidays, they should expect delays due to the high demand this year. According to AAA, New York is expected to set a record over the next five days.

Travelers like Elni Samoramos is visiting some friends in the Hudson Valley from the British Virgin Islands because that’s where he works, but he’s originally from the Philippines.

“It’s a two-week holiday from work,” proclaimed Samoramos.

Just like many people heading to the city, Samoramos will be going to the Macy’s Day Parade first thing Thanksgiving morning.

“When I was a kid, I just saw this on TV and YouTube. I want to see that. Of course, the stars are there,” said Samoramos.

Samoramos visited New York last December, but because of COVID-19, he couldn’t see his longtime friends. This year, he has the opportunity to do so, and said he is excited to share pictures and videos of the parade with all of his social media friends.

According to AAA, it’s predicted over 3.5 million people will travel in the Empire State. If that holds, it will set a record for Thanksgiving travelers since tracking began in 2000.

Other travelers like Christina Mcelvaney and her boyfriend, Drew Lewis, are visiting her parents from Panama City Beach, Fla. They say they arrived in the area Monday to beat the crowd, and they, too, will attend the Thanksgiving parade.

“This is only my second time being to the city. We only come every few years,” said Mcelvaney.

Mcelvaney’s parents are Newburgh residents and excited to have their daughter here for the holidays.

“Since COVID, we haven't been to the city since COVID. So, the first time since 2019. Yeah. So, it kind of, you know, it's been kind of sad that we haven't gone. So, I guess we're just grateful that everything's opened up again,” said Ed Mcelvaney.

According to AAA, about 89% of New Yorkers will travel by car. Just over 9$ will travel by air, while under 2% will travel by other means, including buses, trains and cruises.