In a detailed announcement, AAA projected that 2024 would be the “year of travel” for Colorado, with a significant surge in both air and road travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving period. The travel agency estimated that 79.9 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Tuesday, November 26, and Monday, December 2. This marks an increase of 2% or 1.7 million travelers over the previous year, bringing the figure to a level higher than pre-pandemic travel numbers. It is also a noteworthy 2 million increase over 2019, a year when travel rates were still showing the effects of the pandemic’s disruptions.
Surging Travel Numbers and Increased Consumer Confidence
AAA’s data highlighted that this year’s Thanksgiving travel would be the busiest in recent memory, with nearly 80 million Americans on the move. This surge in travel was attributed to the continued economic recovery, growing consumer confidence, and a substantial 5% increase in consumer spending compared to the previous year. Notably, gas prices were approximately 20 cents lower than they had been in the same period last year, providing some relief for the 71.7 million drivers expected to hit the road. Despite this, airfares were projected to be 3% higher than last year, according to AAA booking data.
While some travelers might experience price hikes in airfares, the overall trend indicated that more Americans were opting to travel, with a notable increase in discretionary spending. For the state of Colorado, this travel boom bodes well for the local economy, particularly for the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are poised to see heightened demand due to increased visitor numbers.
A Closer Look at Travel By Road
The overwhelming majority of travelers this Thanksgiving period were expected to drive, with 71.7 million Americans taking to the roads. Despite the potential for higher-than-usual traffic congestion, especially on major highways like southbound Interstate 25 in Colorado, drivers were encouraged to plan for delays. AAA projected that travel times along this route could increase by as much as 44% during peak travel times, such as Friday afternoon. To manage expectations, the agency recommended winterizing vehicles, especially for those heading to Colorado’s mountainous regions where traction laws are in effect.
While these higher traffic volumes could lead to frustrating delays for many, AAA also noted that the reduction in gas prices could somewhat alleviate the financial burden of long drives. For Colorado residents, local gas prices were averaging $2.98 per gallon, with Vail seeing the highest prices at $3.61, and Greeley offering the lowest at $2.78. Travelers headed to Colorado’s high country were specifically advised to check their vehicle’s readiness for snowy or icy conditions, with AAA emphasizing the importance of proper tire and traction devices.
Air Travel: A Growing Trend with Slight Cost Hikes
Air travel during the Thanksgiving period was also expected to see notable growth. AAA projected that 5.84 million Americans would take to the skies, marking a nearly 11% increase over 2019 levels and a 2% rise over 2023. Despite airfares rising by 3% compared to last year, the overall number of air travelers was expected to remain strong. Furthermore, international flight bookings showed an impressive 23% increase over the previous year, in part due to lower international airfare costs.
For travelers, this increase in flight bookings presents both challenges and opportunities. The rise in air travel is likely to lead to crowded airports and potential flight delays. AAA recommended that travelers planning to fly should consider booking direct flights, as they are less prone to cancellations and delays. Additionally, early morning flights tend to face fewer delays, making them a more attractive option for travelers who want to minimize disruptions to their holiday schedules.
Travelers were also advised to avoid checked luggage, opting for carry-on bags instead. This strategy helps prevent the frustration of lost luggage, a common issue during busy holiday travel periods. Moreover, travelers were encouraged to download airline apps to stay updated on cancellations and to quickly rebook if necessary.
Alternative Travel Methods on the Rise
In response to the growing demand for travel, AAA also noted a significant uptick in travelers opting for alternative modes of transportation, including bus, cruise, and train services. These sectors were expected to see a 9% increase in travel volumes compared to 2023, and an 18% increase over the 2019 levels. This suggests a broader shift in travel preferences, with more people seeking out options beyond traditional air and road travel.
Interestingly, despite the overall surge in travel, some cities were anticipated to face more demand than others for rental cars. For example, cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, and Phoenix were identified as the busiest rental car markets for this Thanksgiving period. Colorado, however, was not expected to be among the highest-demand rental car locations.
Impacts on Colorado’s Hospitality Sector
For Colorado, this surge in travel numbers presents a unique opportunity. As millions of Americans flock to the state for Thanksgiving, local businesses—especially those in tourism and hospitality—are expected to see a boost in activity. Colorado’s high-altitude tourist destinations, such as Vail and Aspen, are likely to attract more visitors, as travelers seek to experience the state’s world-renowned ski resorts and natural beauty.
Furthermore, the growing number of travelers may encourage investment in infrastructure and services to accommodate the influx. However, the travel surge will also place pressure on Colorado’s roadways and airports, creating potential challenges for transportation and logistics.
Global Implications for the Travel Industry
The trend of surging travel numbers is not isolated to Colorado; it is part of a broader pattern seen worldwide. With more people traveling than ever before, the global travel industry is facing both opportunities and challenges. Airlines, for instance, will need to expand their capacities to meet the rising demand, while also addressing the complexities of managing delays and cancellations during peak travel periods.
International travel, in particular, continues to grow as more people take advantage of the increasing affordability of international flights. As travelers seek to explore destinations abroad, the global economy is set to benefit from this rise in cross-border tourism.
Overall, the projected Thanksgiving travel boom is an indicator of the growing strength of the travel industry post-pandemic, reflecting both the resilience of the global economy and the continued desire of people to explore new destinations and reconnect with loved ones.
The post Colorado’s Surging Thanksgiving Travel 79.9 Million Americans Expected to Hit the Road and Skies, with New Routes to Popular Destinations like Florida, Boston, and Beyond appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
