Thanksgiving Travel Plans and Election Fallout: How Consumers Are Shaping the Holiday

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Thanksgiving is now just over a week away which means final arrangements for travel are likely taking shape. It looks to be a busy travel period once again, though the weather might make it difficult for some. CivicScience data show roughly 23% of U.S. adults plan on traveling somewhere for Thanksgiving this year, while 77% say they plan to stay local. Thanksgiving travelers are twice as likely to plan on driving somewhere compared to flying (14% to 7% respectively), with falling gas prices likely playing at least somewhat of a role in the decision.

Additional data show retailers may want to pay close attention to Thanksgiving travelers this year – three-quarters of those planning to travel out of town say they also plan to shop during Thanksgiving weekend, far outpacing those who plan to stay local this year.

Join the Conversation: Will you travel for Thanksgiving this year?

For those who are traveling this year, most plan on traveling no further than 100 miles away from home. Americans living in the West are most likely to plan on traveling 250 miles or more, while those living in the Midwest are most likely to stay within 100 miles.

Travel is just half of the equation – when it comes to accommodations, staying with family or friends is the top choice for nearly half of travelers (47%). Hotels follow as a distant second at 24%. Less common options include motels or extended stay inns (10%), bed and breakfasts (10%), rentals like Airbnb (7%), and tent, RV, or cabin stays (4%).

The 2024 election outcome has introduced a new layer of complexity to Thanksgiving travel plans. Though most are sticking to their traditions, close to 1-in-5 are making changes. This includes 7% avoiding celebrations with family or friends and 4% forgoing the holiday altogether this year.

As to be expected in the highly polarized political climate, divisions exist when it comes to the election’s impact on Thanksgiving along political lines. About 9-in-10 Republicans will celebrate as normal, compared to 71% of Democrats. But it’s Democrats who are the most likely to say they don’t usually celebrate with loved ones but will be doing so this year following the result. 

Weigh in: Do you expect politics to come up at your Thanksgiving gathering this year?

Thanksgiving travel patterns show that while many Americans maintain traditional holiday plans, election’s influence, and shifting consumer behaviors are creating new dynamics. Retailers and service providers should be ready to meet these evolving needs, from shopping trends to changing accommodations.

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