As Thanksgiving approaches, travel dynamics across the United States are transforming, as anticipated by AAA. The organization predicts a historic number of Americans will venture away from their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday, with an estimated 79.9 million individuals traveling at least 50 miles from their residences between November 26 and December 2. This marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, underscoring the increasing desire of people to reunite with family and friends during this significant holiday. For the first time, AAA has stretched its travel period to include the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving, reflecting evolving traveler behaviors.
The Dominance of Road Travel
The vast majority of travelers this Thanksgiving will be hitting the roads, with an estimated 71.7 million people opting for car journeys. This figure has risen by 1.3 million from the previous year. Fortunately for motorists, the predicted dip in gas prices will likely offer some relief; last year’s average per gallon price was around $3.26, but forecasts suggest it could drop below $3, providing a favorable situation for those embarking on long drives to Thanksgiving destinations. This shift indicates not only a growing enthusiasm for road trips but also factors such as economic conditions and consumer confidence influencing travel decisions.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 5.84 million people expected to fly during the Thanksgiving period, an increase from 5.73 million in the previous year. However, those opting for flights will face higher costs, as airfare for domestic routes has climbed by approximately 3% compared to last year’s prices. Interestingly, international air travel is experiencing a noteworthy uptick, with a 23% increase in bookings. Notably, prices for international flights have actually decreased by 5%, highlighting a contrasting trend that might appeal to those looking to travel abroad for the holidays.
Diverse Travel Options Beyond Roads and Skies
In addition to road and air travel, around 1.92 million individuals will utilize alternative modes such as buses, trains, and cruises. This segment has seen a 9% increase from the previous year, mainly driven by a surge in cruise bookings, which have grown by an impressive 20%. This aspect of travel highlights a diversified approach to holiday journeys, as families increasingly seek unique experiences beyond traditional methods.
When considering destinations, Florida stands out as a top choice for many travelers, with cities like Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale leading the way. Notably, Tampa and New York follow closely behind in the domestic travel spectrum. Meanwhile, internationally, Budapest, Hungary tops AAA’s list as the favored destination, followed by attractive locales like Cancun, Rome, and Paris.
Thanksgiving embodies a period of reconnection, and as AAA Travel vice president Stacey Barber notes, this holiday is unparalleled in terms of travel. The anticipated record-high travel figures reflect not only the logistical aspects of movement but also the deeper emotional connections that this holiday fosters among relatives and friends. Emphasizing togetherness, Thanksgiving travel emphasizes the human desire for connection, making the anticipated journeys not just a matter of miles traveled, but a reinforcement of relationships that matter most.