AAA forecasts that a record number of Americans will travel this Thanksgiving holiday — on the road, in the air and at sea.
From Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, AAA estimates that 79.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home, an increase of 1.7 million from last year. Some of that increase can be attributed to AAA expanding the Thanksgiving travel period, for the first time including the Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day and the Monday afterward.
Most travelers will drive during the holiday. AAA projects 71.7 million people will take to the roads, up 1.3 million from last year. They’ll be met with good news at the gas pump: last year’s average price per gallon was $3.26, but that figure might dip below $3 this year.
Another 5.84 million people will fly during the holiday, up from 5.73 million last year. They’re paying more to do it, too, with domestic flights up an average of 3% compared to last Thanksgiving, based on AAA Travel booking data.
About the same number of travelers will fly within the U.S. this Thanksgiving, but international bookings are up 23%. The cost to fly internationally is down 5%.
The remaining 1.92 million travelers will reach their destination via bus, cruise or train. This category is up 9% from last year, AAA said, boosted by the popularity of cruising. AAA says its cruise bookings are up 20% from last year.
Many domestic travelers are headed to Florida this Thanksgiving. The top three domestic destinations are Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa is fifth. New York is fourth, and Los Angeles/Anaheim, Honolulu, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Atlanta round out the top 10.
Internationally, AAA’s most popular destination is Budapest, Hungary. That is followed by border city Mexicali, San Juan, Cancun, Punta Cana, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona and Munich.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” AAA Travel vice president Stacey Barber said. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”
