AAA has announced an impressive travel forecast for the Thanksgiving holiday period, projecting that approximately 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25, and Monday, December 1, 2025. This marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new benchmark for holiday travel in the United States. The Thanksgiving holiday remains the busiest time of year for travel, surpassing other holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, remarked on the significance of Thanksgiving travel, stating, “People eagerly take to the roads to create lifelong memories with loved ones, demonstrating their willingness to navigate the crowds and make adjustments to their plans.”
A significant majority, nearly 90 percent or about 73 million travelers, will opt for car travel, reflecting an increase of 1.3 million compared to last Thanksgiving. With many air travelers potentially opting to drive due to recent flight cancellations, car travel numbers could escalate further. Hertz predicts that Wednesday, November 26, will be the busiest day for car rentals, particularly in high-demand markets such as Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Notably, domestic car rental prices are 15% lower than last year, which should make road trips more affordable for many travelers.
AAA advises motorists to prepare adequately before hitting the roads, suggesting that travelers fill up their tanks the night before and check critical vehicle components like battery and tire pressure. Last Thanksgiving saw AAA manage around 600,000 roadside assistance calls due to issues such as flat tires and dead batteries.
Air travel is also forecasted to experience a slight uptick, with around 6 million Americans expected to take domestic flights, marking a 2% rise. However, this figure may alter as some air travelers adjust their plans in response to airline disruptions. A roundtrip domestic flight averages around $700, consistent with last year’s prices, but travelers can find better deals by flying on Thanksgiving Day itself, although return flights on peak days tend to be more expensive.
Moreover, travel by buses, trains, and cruises is projected to grow by 8.5%, with nearly 2.5 million travelers choosing these modes of transport. The cruise industry continues to thrive, with AAA estimating that 20.7 million Americans will embark on vacations this year alone, with 21.7 million projected for 2026. Cruise trips are particularly popular during Thanksgiving, often favored for their all-inclusive nature and appealing destinations like the Caribbean.
AAA’s analysis reveals that Florida leads as the top domestic destination, with cities like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale drawing many visitors. Internationally, travelers favor destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, and Cancun, seeking warmer climates and cultural experiences.
Travelers should be aware of potential delays, particularly on the Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving, with heavy congestion expected. AAA advises planning travel times to avoid peak traffic and remain vigilant about road safety, especially concerning impaired driving.
With a strong emphasis on family visits and memorable experiences, the holiday travel forecast embodies a positive trend, encouraging travelers to create lasting memories during this cherished time of year.