Thanksgiving travel in the United States is set to see a massive surge this year, with AAA projecting 79.9 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home. Popular destinations include Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, and Canada, as international travel gains momentum alongside domestic trips. With a mix of lower gas prices, rising cruise demand, and increased flight bookings, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record.
AAA forecasts nearly 80 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving holiday, marking a surge of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and an increase of 2 million from 2019. For the first time, the forecast now spans from Tuesday, November 26, to Monday, December 2, offering a broader view of holiday travel patterns.
Car Travel Reaches All-Time High with 71.7 Million Travelers
A record-breaking 71.7 million Americans are expected to drive to their destinations, an increase of 1.3 million compared to last Thanksgiving. This number surpasses 2019’s total of 70.6 million drivers, reflecting a steady growth in road trips as the preferred mode of travel.
Lower gas prices are fueling this surge. Experts predict the national average will drop below $3 per gallon before Thanksgiving, a milestone not seen since 2021. Drivers in states east of the Rockies will enjoy even better savings, with prices ranging between $2.25 and $2.50 per gallon in many areas.
Air Travel Hits New Heights
AAA projects 5.84 million travelers will fly domestically this Thanksgiving, setting a new record. Compared to 2023, air travel shows a 2% rise and a remarkable 11% jump over 2019.
While domestic airfare costs have edged up by 3% this year, international travel is booming. Bookings for overseas flights have climbed 23%, partly due to a 5% reduction in international ticket prices. Travelers are taking advantage of these savings to explore destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Cruises, Buses, and Trains See a Boost
Alternative travel methods are gaining traction, with 2.3 million people expected to use buses, cruises, or trains. This mode has grown by 9% from last year and by 18% compared to 2019. Cruises, in particular, have seen a post-pandemic resurgence, with bookings increasing by 20% year-over-year.
Top Thanksgiving Destinations in 2024
Warm-weather escapes dominate AAA’s list of Thanksgiving hotspots this year. Travelers are flocking to cities like Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale for their beaches, theme parks, and entertainment. Other popular U.S. cities include Atlanta, San Francisco, and Honolulu.
Internationally, travelers are gravitating toward Europe and the Caribbean. Budapest, Cancun, Rome, and Punta Cana stand out as top choices for their scenic beauty and cultural experiences.
Domestic Top 10:
- Orlando, FL
- Miami, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- New York, NY
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
- Tampa, FL
- Honolulu, HI
- San Francisco, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Atlanta, GA
International Top 10:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Mexicali, Mexico
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Cancun, Mexico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Rome, Italy
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Paris, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Munich, Germany
Road Trip Advice: Optimal and Worst Times for Travel
Travelers planning road trips can avoid traffic jams by driving during less crowded hours. INRIX advises leaving early in the morning or late in the evening for smoother journeys. Thanksgiving Day itself is ideal for travel, with minimal traffic expected.
Peak Travel Times by Day:
- Monday, Nov 25: Heavy traffic from 1 PM–5 PM; clearer roads before 11 AM.
- Tuesday, Nov 26: Worst congestion from 1 PM–7 PM; best travel time before 10 AM.
- Wednesday, Nov 27: Busiest from 1 PM–5 PM; start early, before 10 AM, for less congestion.
- Thanksgiving Day: Smooth traffic all day.
- Friday, Nov 29: Expect delays from 7 AM–10 AM; drive after 1 PM for a better experience.
- Saturday, Nov 30: Heavy traffic from 4 PM–8 PM; traveling before 1 PM is recommended.
- Sunday, Dec 1: Most congested between 12 PM–6 PM; start early to beat the rush.
Metro Congestion Hotspots
Drivers in major metropolitan areas should plan for significant delays. Peak congestion times include:
- New York to the Hamptons (Long Island Expressway): Travel time could spike by 133% on Tuesday night, making it one of the most congested routes.
- Los Angeles to Bakersfield (I-5 North): Traffic surges by 111% on Wednesday night.
- Boston to Portsmouth (I-95 North): Delays more than double on Tuesday afternoon.
- Philadelphia to Poconos (PA Turnpike): Sunday travel time increases by 62%.
Rental Cars in High Demand
Car rentals remain a popular choice this holiday season, with Atlanta, Orlando, and Las Vegas leading the list of busiest locations. Travelers picking up cars on Wednesday should prepare for high demand, while rental returns will peak on the Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
AAA’s Holiday Travel Insights
AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence collaborated to develop this year’s forecast using economic indicators like employment rates, gas prices, and travel demand. This methodology, refined over two decades, provides a detailed snapshot of Thanksgiving travel trends. Unlike TSA data, which counts individual passenger screenings, AAA’s forecast focuses on round-trip journeys of 50 miles or more.
Travel Smarter This Thanksgiving
With nearly 80 million travelers on the move, this Thanksgiving season promises to be one of the busiest yet. Whether you’re flying, driving, or cruising, planning ahead is key to a smoother experience. Hit the road during non-peak hours, book flights early, and explore warm-weather destinations or international hotspots for a memorable holiday.
The post Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, Canada and More Among Top Trip Destinations as US Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Reach 79.9 Million Trips: New Report appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
