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Nearly 14 million drivers are expected to hit the road in the last weekend before Christmas, marking a new record, according to automotive group RAC.
Rail disruptions due to engineering works are also expected to worsen congestion on the roads.
So how can you avoid hot spots, whether you're traveling by road, plane, ferry or train?
Shift travel times on the roads
The RAC says that on Friday the worst time to travel is between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and an evening trip may be slightly easier. On Saturday, most traffic is expected between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and it is best to leave in the morning.
The AA advises people to come prepared with plenty of fuel, charge their phones and check tires and lights.
They also suggest packing food and warm clothes in case you get stuck in a traffic jam during what could be one of the busiest festive periods for road travel since records began in 2010.
Experts estimate that with Christmas falling in the middle of the week, this could spread traffic over several days.
“Check traffic reports before you leave and try to travel when it's quieter if you can, or consider taking a different route to avoid traffic jams,” adds the AA's Chris Wood.
Travel expert Julian Bray advises if you're traveling by road, “go earlier and come back later” as heavy traffic will result from rail engineering works taking place over the festive period.
Check engineering works on rail
Network Rail advises passengers to check their journey before traveling.
Some services such as West Midlands Railway are operating a modified service due to engineering works and last minute train cancellations are possible.
As London Paddington is closed from December 27-29 for HS2 construction work, rail travel to and from Heathrow Airport will be disrupted, as will travel to South Wales and the southwest of England.
The RMT union has also announced a strike affecting Avanti West Coast on December 31 and January 2, and the train company will change its timetable.
Eurostar says it expects Boxing Day and December 29 to be the busiest days and leaves plenty of travel time.
Ella Boldron, travel expert at consumer group Which?, says: 'If your train journey is delayed, you will be entitled to compensation, although the manner in which this compensation is provided may vary between train companies.
Under the Delay Repay system, for example, it varies depending on the length of the delay.
And she points out that if your train is canceled, you may be entitled to a full refund.
Confirm return flight
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Friday, December 20 is expected to be the busiest day for air travel over the holiday period, according to data analysts Cirium.
It looked at all departures scheduled to take place between December 20 and January 2 and indicated that this year, in total, there would be 5% more departures compared to 2023.
The busiest days for Heathrow will be December 20, while December 22 will be the busiest for Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Birmingham and Bristol airports.
Mr Bray says customers should stay in touch with their airline and expect changes.
It's a good idea to allow plenty of time to get to your departure airport, as well as follow baggage check-in rules, as some airlines have recently changed their policies.
It also clarifies that customers must always reconfirm their return trip before leaving.
Which? says passengers will also be entitled to assistance from the airline, including food and beverages, if their flight is delayed by more than two hours.
“For short-haul flights, the compensation threshold kicks in after a three-hour delay – but is only payable if the delay is considered to be within the airline's control, meaning you don't “You will not be entitled to it if your plane is held up by a snowstorm or security incident,” explains Ms. Boldron.
In the event of a cancellation, you should also have the choice of a refund or rebooking on the next available flight.
Arrive only for your assigned ferry crossing
The Port of Dover is one of the busiest ports in Europe and it is stated that if you have booked with a third party supplier you should check your details before traveling.
Allow plenty of time for your trip and only arrive for your allotted journey.
He also suggests having passports open and ready before border control, in addition to packing snacks or entertainment to pass the time.
One of Britain's busiest ports, at Holyhead, north Wales, will remain closed until January 15 at the earliest after suffering damage during Storm Darragh.
Ms Boldron says: “If your ferry is delayed, you will not be entitled to any compensation if weather conditions prevent the vessel from operating safely, or if there are other extraordinary circumstances.
Otherwise, compensation is usually paid on a sliding scale depending on the length of your trip and the length of your detention.
She adds that if the ferry is canceled or delayed more than 90 minutes, you should be given the choice of an alternative crossing or a refund.
You may also be entitled to overnight accommodation if necessary, she adds.
