As families across the United States prepare to reunite for Thanksgiving, AAA’s projections indicate a significant surge in holiday travel for 2023. According to their latest forecast, 55.4 million individuals will venture at least 50 miles away from their residences during the Thanksgiving travel period, marking a notable 2.3% rise compared to the previous year’s numbers. This surge notably ranks as the third-highest projection recorded by AAA since they commenced monitoring holiday travel patterns in 2000, following the statistics from 2005 and 2019.
The upsurge in travel isn’t a surprise, as Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, observed, “For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022.” This heightened enthusiasm for travel reflects a consistent trend of robust travel demand seen throughout the year, further emphasized by AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast.
The preferred mode of transportation for most Thanksgiving travelers remains driving, with AAA estimating that 49.1 million Americans will opt for road trips, a 1.7% increase from 2022. Interestingly, despite global tensions affecting the oil market, gas prices are expected to be relatively lower this Thanksgiving compared to the preceding year. However, a significant rise is anticipated in air travel, with approximately 4.7 million individuals set to fly, marking a substantial 6.6% increase from last year and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005.
Apart from air and road travel, other modes of transportation such as cruises, buses, and trains are witnessing a resurgence in popularity, with an approximate 11% increase in travelers compared to last year. Twidale highlighted this trend, mentioning, “The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback, with Thanksgiving cruises mostly sold out, attracting many travelers seeking to spend the holiday at sea.”
The holiday season also brings price variations in travel bookings. According to AAA data, while domestic flight prices have slightly increased by 5% from 2022, international flights have seen a marginal decrease of 5.7%. Similarly, hotel stays, rental cars, and tour prices exhibit a mix of fluctuations, with some domestic costs dropping while international expenses see slight increments.
As families gear up for Thanksgiving celebrations, it’s essential to note the busiest days and peak congestion in various metro areas, according to INRIX data. The day before Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest on roads, urging travelers to plan their journeys during less congested periods to minimize travel time and avoid frustrations.
With warm weather destinations, theme parks, and historic sites topping the list of both domestic and international destinations, this Thanksgiving holiday is poised to witness a remarkable surge in travel, emphasizing a renewed enthusiasm for spending time with loved ones and exploring new horizons.
