Whether you're traveling by car or by plane, this Thanksgiving holiday will be one for the record books. AAA is predicting one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in the last two decades.
"For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas," Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, said in a statement. "Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA's Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones."
AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period -- from Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 26. This year's forecast is a 2.3% increase over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.
Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022.
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, Nov. 22 to be the busiest day on the roads during the holiday, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
"The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. "Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations."
Best and Worst Times to Drive
• Wednesday, Nov 22
Worst: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Best: Before 11:00 AM
• Thursday, Nov 23
Worst: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Best: Before 10:00 AM, After 5:00 PM
• Friday, Nov 24
Worst: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Best: Before 11:00 AM, After 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Nov 25
Worst: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Best: Before 12:00 PM
• Sunday, Nov 26
Worst: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Best: Before 12:00 PM
Another 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005, AAA said.
Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.
This holiday season, travelers are generally paying less for domestic trips compared to last year and more for international vacations. According to AAA, the average price for a domestic flight is $681, up 5% from 2022, while international flights average $1,231, down 5.7% from last year.
While some people are traveling to visit relatives, others are using the holiday to get away and have some fun. Warm weather destinations, theme parks, tourist attractions, historic sites, and cruise port cities top the list of domestic and international destinations this holiday season, per AAA.
Top Domestic Destinations
1. Orlando, FL
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL
3. Miami, FL
4. Anaheim, CA
5. Tampa, FL
6. New York City, NY
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Honolulu, HI
9. Maui, HI
10. San Diego, CA
Top International Destinations
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. Mexico City, Mexico
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
4. Bahrain
5. Rome, Italy
6. Montego Bay, Jamaica
7. Nassau, Bahamas
8. Bali & Papua New Guinea
9. Paris, France
10. London, England
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