AAA predicts that 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Dec. 1. This represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new record for domestic holiday travel. Thanksgiving continues to be the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central, noted that many people look forward to Thanksgiving because it offers the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends. Despite crowded roads and airports, most travelers are willing to make adjustments to ensure they can celebrate with loved ones.
The majority of travelers will drive. AAA estimates that 73 million people, nearly 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travelers, will take to the roads. This is an increase of 1.3 million drivers compared to last year, and the number could rise further if flight cancellations prompt travelers to switch modes.
AAA advises drivers to prepare their vehicles before hitting the road. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls for issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks. Checking tire pressure, battery health, and fueling up the night before can help avoid delays.
Travelers planning to rent cars during the Thanksgiving holiday should expect peak demand on Wednesday, according to AAA’s rental partner Hertz. The busiest markets for car rentals include Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Newark, reflecting strong travel activity in major hubs and vacation destinations.
AAA booking data shows that domestic car rental rates are 15 percent lower than last year, offering travelers a cost advantage compared to previous holiday seasons. Despite the savings, early reservations are recommended to secure availability in high-demand locations.
Air travel is also expected to grow modestly. About 6 million travelers will fly domestically, a 2% increase from 2024. The average roundtrip airfare is $700, similar to last year. Flying on Thanksgiving Day is typically cheaper, while return flights on Sunday and Monday remain the most expensive.
Other modes of travel, including buses, trains, and cruises, will see an increase as well. Nearly 2.5 million travelers are expected to use these options, an 8.5 percent rise compared to last year.
Cruises remain particularly popular, especially to the Caribbean, thanks to mild weather and family-friendly options. AAA projects 20.7 million U.S. cruise passengers this year, with even higher numbers expected in 2026.
Gas prices remain steady at about $3.06 per gallon, similar to last Thanksgiving. Car rentals are 15 percent cheaper than last year, with Wednesday expected to be the busiest pick-up day. The top rental markets include Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Newark.
AAA booking data reveals that travelers this Thanksgiving are heading to a mix of warm-weather getaways, major U.S. cities, and international hotspots. Florida dominates the domestic list with Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa among the most popular choices, while other U.S. favorites include New York City, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu.
Internationally, Europe remains a top draw with Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Barcelona, Basel, and Budapest attracting holiday travelers. Beach destinations are also in high demand, including Cancun, Punta Cana, and Aruba. For those seeking long-haul adventures, Sydney, Australia stands out as a leading choice.
This diverse mix of destinations reflects travelers’ desire for both family-friendly attractions and cultural experiences during the holiday season.
Safety remains a major concern during the holiday period. Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest times on U.S. roads. From 2019 to 2023, 868 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the holiday, accounting for 35 percent of all traffic fatalities. AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or taking public transportation.
Traffic congestion will be heavy. INRIX predicts the worst delays on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving and significant return traffic on Sunday. Leaving early in the day can help avoid backups, but travelers should remain alert for construction, crashes, and severe weather.
The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the seven-day window from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. This standardized timeframe was introduced in 2024, and historical travel data dating back to 2019 has been recalculated using the same seven-day structure to ensure consistency in reporting.
This forecast and analysis are supported by several key organizations. S&P Global provides essential intelligence and data-driven insights that help governments, businesses, and individuals make informed decisions.
Their expertise spans credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions across global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. By leveraging these resources, S&P Global enables strategic planning and progress in areas such as ESG and energy transition. More information is available online.
MMGY Global is recognized as the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. With a global presence and award-winning communications practice, MMGY serves premier travel and tourism brands across all marketing channels. The company promotes travel as a cultural bridge to foster understanding and inclusivity worldwide. Learn more at on this website.
INRIX, founded in 2004, pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into actionable insights. INRIX provides analytics that improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and reduce environmental impact. Their solutions span the entire mobility ecosystem, from optimizing traffic signal timing to supporting last-mile delivery and market analysis.
AAA East Central, a not-for-profit association, operates 69 local offices across Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, serving 2.7 million members. AAA offers a wide range of services, including automotive assistance, insurance, discounts, financial products, and travel planning. For more information on membership and savings, follow AAA East Central on social media or visit their website.