NASA, however, disputes the claims -- the agency notes that its vehicle is still traveling the magnetic highway, and it won't have officially escaped the surly bonds of the Sun until the magnetic fields shift.

ENGADGET: AGU study says Voyager 1 has reached interstellar space, but NASA remains skeptical

The brother-in-law of Cody Dragoo, another volunteer firefighter, remembered how Dragoo would leave notes for his wife, Patty, when he was traveling, and how he loved hunting and NASCAR.

NPR: Obama Consoles Families, Survivors Of Texas Blast

"Traveling shifts us from the solipsistic way we operate every day, " notes Kane.

FORBES: Magazine Article

With Christmas falling on a Saturday, the trend figures to be even more acute this year--many of those traveling on Christmas weekend won't be heading home until Monday, notes America's Research Group President Britt Beemer.

FORBES: Magazine Article