New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Anaheim Shine as Top Thanksgiving Destinations for US Travelers

Record Car Travel: 71.7 Million Expected to Hit the Road

For the first time, car travel is expected to break records, with 71.7 million people driving to their Thanksgiving destinations. This is a rise of 1.3 million travelers from last year. Gas prices are lower this year, with the national average potentially falling below $3 per gallon, thanks to declining oil prices. The most popular cities for rental cars this year include Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Miami, where rental demand is particularly high. AAA's partner Hertz reports the busiest car rental days will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with returns peaking on the Monday and Tuesday following the holiday.

Air Travel on the Rise: 5.84 Million Flying Domestically

Air travel is also set to set a new record, with 5.84 million Americans expected to fly domestically this Thanksgiving. This marks a 2% increase from last year and nearly an 11% increase from 2019. Air travelers are paying about 3% more for domestic flights, while international bookings have surged by 23% due to a 5% decrease in international flight costs. Major airports in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are expected to experience the highest passenger volumes.

Traveling by Other Modes: 2.3 Million Take Buses, Trains, and Cruises

Nearly 2.3 million travelers will use alternative modes of transport, including buses, trains, and cruises. This category is seeing an 18% increase compared to 2019, largely driven by the popularity of cruising. The cruise industry has seen an uptick in demand, with both domestic and international bookings up by 20% compared to last Thanksgiving.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car in U.S. Cities

Traffic congestion will be particularly heavy in major metro areas on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The best time to drive is on Thanksgiving Day itself, when roads are typically clear. However, drivers should plan accordingly for peak congestion times and try to avoid the afternoon rush on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday.

In major cities, such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago, travelers should avoid peak travel times. For example, driving from Atlanta to Birmingham via I-20 E on Sunday, December 1 will see a 38% increase in travel time, with an expected 3-hour and 17-minute journey. In New York, traveling from New York to the Hamptons on Tuesday, November 26 will take 3 hours and 27 minutes, with a 117% increase in travel time.

Top Thanksgiving Destinations in U.S. Cities

The top Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S. this year feature a mix of warm weather spots and cities with popular holiday events. Florida leads the pack with Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa ranking among the top destinations, thanks to their beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports. California and Hawaii also feature prominently, with major cities like Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Honolulu seeing large numbers of holiday visitors. These destinations offer everything from family-friendly activities to luxurious escapes, making them ideal for a variety of travelers.