Thanksgiving Travel Trends: A Record-Breaking Year Ahead

As Thanksgiving approaches, anticipation builds for the influx of travelers across the United States. According to projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA), an astonishing 79.9 million Americans are expected to hit the road, board flights, and embark on cruises between November 26 and December 2. This marks a notable increase of 1.7 million compared to the previous year. This surge in travel is amplified by a recent expansion of the travel period, extending from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after, enabling more families to partake in the time-honored tradition of gathering during this festive season.

The vast majority of Thanksgiving travelers will be taking to the roads. AAA forecasts that around 71.7 million people will choose to drive to their holiday destinations, reflecting a growth of 1.3 million from last year. Encouragingly for motorists, gas prices are expected to offer some relief this year; last Thanksgiving’s average price per gallon was $3.26, but prices are projected to fall below the $3 mark this season. This decrease is likely to entice even more individuals to plan road trips, as families take advantage of lower fuel costs to reconnect with loved ones.

A significant uptick in air travel is also on the horizon, with an estimated 5.84 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations, which is an increase from 5.73 million last year. However, this rise comes with an added financial burden, as domestic flight prices have risen by approximately 3% compared to last year’s rates. Despite this increase, international travel is also on the rise, demonstrating a 23% increase in bookings for destinations outside the U.S. Interestingly, international airfare has dipped by about 5%, making it a more attractive option for travelers looking to explore beyond U.S. borders.

In addition to driving and flying, a growing number of Americans are also opting for alternative modes of transportation. Approximately 1.92 million travelers are expected to utilize buses, cruises, or trains, representing a 9% increase from last year. This upward trend can largely be attributed to the ongoing popularity of cruise vacations, which have seen a remarkable 20% increase in bookings. Such figures underscore a shifting travel landscape as people seek diverse experiences during the holiday season.

As travelers map out their journeys, certain destinations stand out. Florida remains a top choice, with Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale ranking as the three most popular domestic destinations for Thanksgiving seekers. Other notable cities include New York and Los Angeles, with additional favorites like Las Vegas and Atlanta rounding out the top ten. Internationally, Budapest, Hungary tops the list for American travelers, followed closely by destinations like Cancun and Paris, emphasizing a growing appetite for overseas adventures.

Given these insights, it is clear that Thanksgiving remains a vital occasion for Americans to reconnect with family and friends. As AAA Travel vice president Stacey Barber aptly stated, „Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising.“ This year, as traditions continue to unfold, the roads, skies, and seas will be busy as millions embark on their journeys to celebrate gratitude and togetherness.

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