INDIANAPOLIS — Whether they're hitting road or taking to the skies, AAA estimates more than 115 million people will travel this holiday season.
Amidst the hustle and bustle at Indianapolis International Airport, RTV 6 found folks who were traveling for special reasons.
Kenny Tapp is originally from Indiana. He now lives in Texas. On Christmas Eve, Tapp, along with his parents waited for his partner, Yanger, to arrive.
"Just last week, he got his U.S. Citizenship at a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas," Tapp said. To celebrate,Tapp and his family waited with a huge sign congratulating Yanger on becoming a citizen. They also waved little American Flags.
"It’s a huge blessing for him to join a family during the holidays, but also for him to join the country as a citizen," Tapp said.
Jason Smith flew in to Indianapolis on Christmas Eve from Atlanta, Georgia. "I've got kids who live here, so I'm going to drop off presents to them," Smith said.
Smith says the holidays have gotten a little more special and important as his family members have gotten older. "Christmas time means a lot to my family," Smith said. "My grandmother, we celebrated her 90th birthday last April. It’s real important for me to come home more as much as I can to spend that time and make memories with her.”
While lots of people were flying in to Indianapolis, many others were leaving. Lucas Zeien and his family are in that group.
“It's our first time traveling abroad," Zeien said. "We’re excited to see her because we haven’t seen her in about 5 months."
Zeien and his family are going to visit his middle daughter. She's studying abroad in France.
It’s gonna be magical for us," Zeien said. "Everybody says they do it bigger in Europe, so we’re excited to see it.” Zeien says no matter where you're going, this is the time of the year where many people want just a few things. “Peace, joy, spending time with family, friends: It's the reason for the season,” Zeien said.
