AAA Predicts 55.4 Million Americans Traveling for Thanksgiving 2023
AAA’s Thanksgiving travel projections for 2023 anticipate a significant uptick in mobility, with 55.4 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday season. Reflecting a 2.3 percent increase over the previous year, this forecast marks the third-highest fall holiday projection since AAA began tracking in 2000. The surge is primarily attributed to road travel, as 49.1 million individuals in the United States plan to drive to their destinations, showing a 1.7 percent rise from 2022. With the benefit of reduced average gasoline prices, road travel becomes more cost-effective. Transportation data from INRIX indicates that November 22, particularly Wednesday, will be the busiest day on the roads. For those opting to rent vehicles for the occasion, the average cost for domestic reservations has decreased by 20 percent to $590, while international reservations have increased by nine percent to $696. AAA Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale notes the enduring association between Thanksgiving and travel, expecting heightened activity across roads, skies, and seas compared to the previous year.
Air travel is also anticipated to experience a surge, with 4.7 million people expected to fly during Thanksgiving, marking a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year and the highest number of fall holiday air travelers since 2005. Notably, the busiest and most expensive days for air travel are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with Sunday being the peak day for return flights. An analysis by NerdWallet suggests that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be the most crowded for air travel, while Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to be the least crowded.
Additionally, alternative forms of transportation such as cruises, buses, and trains are gaining traction, with AAA projecting 1.55 million Americans opting for these modes, reflecting an almost 11 percent increase. Domestic cruise prices have seen a 12 percent decrease, averaging $1,507, while international voyages have increased by 24 percent, reaching an average of $2,902. Hotel prices have decreased compared to the previous year, with the average domestic hotel stay priced at $598, down 12 percent, and international hotel stays averaging $772, reflecting a five percent increase. Among the most popular domestic destinations for Thanksgiving are Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Anaheim, Tampa, New York City, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Maui, and San Diego. For international travelers, Cancun, Mexico City, Punta Cana, Bahrain, Rome, Montego Bay, Nassau, Bali, Paris, and London are the top choices.
