As Thanksgiving approaches, the American travel landscape is poised for a spectacular surge. According to AAA, an astonishing 79.9 million Americans are predicted to embark on journeys during the Thanksgiving holiday week from November 26 to December 2. This marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year—an encouraging sign as more individuals seek to celebrate in person with family and friends. The inclusion of the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday following it into this year’s holiday travel window is a fresh strategy from AAA, reflecting an evolving cultural attitude towards extended holiday experiences.
A significant majority of travelers will opt for road trips, with projections estimating that around 71.7 million people will be driving to their holiday destinations. This is a 1.3 million increase from previous figures, shedding light on Americans’ enduring preference for car travel during peak holiday seasons. Surprisingly, the cost of fuel may contribute positively to this increase, with gas prices expected to fall below last year’s average of $3.26 per gallon. As families load up their cars, the potential savings at the pump could encourage even more spontaneous trips.
The skies will also see a noteworthy increase in travelers this Thanksgiving. Approximately 5.84 million people are anticipated to take flights, an uptick from last year’s 5.73 million. However, with this increase comes a slight increase in ticket prices; data indicates a 3% rise in domestic flight costs compared to last year. Still, the allure of international travel appears to be too strong to resist, as bookings for overseas destinations have spiked by 23%, even with prices seeing a decrease of 5%. The desire to explore new locales after a pandemic-related slowdown is undeniably shaping travel behaviors.
Travelers seeking alternative modes of transportation will also play a more significant role in this year’s holiday travel statistics. Approximately 1.92 million passengers will utilize buses, trains, or cruises—an increase of 9% from the previous year. The resurgence in cruise bookings is particularly striking, with AAA reporting a remarkable 20% increase in interest. This could signify a broader trend of people looking to create unique travel experiences as they reconnect with loved ones.
Florida emerges as a favored destination, with cities like Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale leading the charge. Notably, New York and Los Angeles also remain hot spots within the top five domestic destinations. Internationally, Budapest tops the list, followed closely by popular resort cities and historic destinations like San Juan and Paris. The diverse array of options and the sheer volume of travelers signifies a transformative time in the travel industry as families prioritize togetherness during the holidays.
As AAA observes, Thanksgiving stands as a pivotal holiday for Americans, epitomizing the importance of reconnecting with family and friends. The anticipated record-breaking travel figures reflect a collective yearning for connection and shared experiences. With alternatives expanding beyond traditional road trips and an increased interest in diverse destinations, this Thanksgiving promises to be a memorable and bustling time for travelers across the nation.