Thanksgiving Travel Trends: A Surge in Mobility for 2023

As Thanksgiving approaches, travel enthusiasts and families alike are gearing up for a major exodus across the United States. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has projected an unprecedented influx of travelers this year, estimating that nearly 80 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from their homes between November 26 and December 2. This marks a notable increase of 1.7 million compared to the previous year. The expanded timeframe of the travel period, which now encompasses the Tuesday before and the Monday following Thanksgiving Day, largely contributes to this surge.

The majority of holiday travelers are expected to hit the roads, with AAA forecasting that approximately 71.7 million people will choose to drive this Thanksgiving season. This represents a 1.3 million increase year-over-year. Fortunately for motorists, the financial burden at the fuel pump is expected to lighten. The average gas price, which stood at $3.26 last year, is anticipated to dip below the $3 mark this holiday season, providing some relief for families traveling by vehicle.

During this high-traffic period, air travel also sees significant participation, with around 5.84 million individuals expected to board flights. This figure shows a slight rise from 5.73 million in 2022. However, travelers should be prepared for slightly higher costs, as domestic flights are projected to rise by an average of 3%. In contrast, international flight bookings have surged by 23%, although passengers flying overseas can take comfort in a 5% decrease in costs compared to last Thanksgiving, suggesting a growing interest in overseas travel.

Not to be overlooked, alternate travel methods such as buses, cruises, and trains are witnessing larger participation this year, with estimates of approximately 1.92 million travelers opting for these modes. This segment has enjoyed an impressive growth rate of 9% from last year, with cruising taking the spotlight here. AAA noted a remarkable 20% increase in cruise bookings, a trend that indicates a resurgence in interest for maritime vacations.

As families look forward to reunions, Florida tops the list of preferred domestic destinations, with places like Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale emerging as favorites. Other notable cities include New York and Los Angeles, with a diverse array of destinations rounding out the top 10. On the international front, Budapest, Hungary, has stolen the show as the most sought-after destination, followed closely by Mexican and Caribbean locales, including Cancún and Punta Cana.

As stated by AAA’s travel vice president Stacey Barber, this Thanksgiving marks another milestone in America’s travel history, with record numbers expected in every category—driving, flying, and cruising. The holiday serves as a vital time for Americans to reconnect with loved ones, making travel not just a preference, but a cherished tradition that continues to grow each year. Whether on the road, in the air, or at sea, the journey is as significant as the destination itself this holiday season.

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