N※N

AAA Forecasts Record-Breaking 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Break

85

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ord-breaking-2025-thanksgiving-travel-break.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 9:20 GMT by Newsweek

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-21 179 x 224 / 8022 Bytes

2025-11-21 179 x 224 / 16709 Bytes

2025-11-18 224 x 224 / 5888 Bytes

2025-11-21 179 x 224 / 13322 Bytes

AAA Forecasts Record‑Breaking 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Break

Every year the United States gears up for a lengthy holiday stretch around the Thanksgiving weekend. For 2025, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has issued a new forecast that suggests this year’s travel break may set new benchmarks in both scale and spending. The data—derived from AAA’s 2025 Travel Forecast and corroborated by U.S. Department of Transportation statistics—provides a detailed snapshot of what travelers can expect and how the transportation sector will feel the impact.

1. A Surge in Traveler Numbers

According to AAA’s 2025 Travel Forecast (link to the official AAA report), the Thanksgiving travel break is projected to involve 12.6 million travelers, an increase of 1.5% over the 2024 figure of 12.4 million. While the year‑over‑year rise may seem modest, it represents the fourth consecutive year of growth in the number of people traveling during the holiday window.

Key drivers behind this uptick include:

• Demographic shifts – A younger cohort, many of whom are newly married or beginning families, are more inclined to travel for the holidays.
• Economic resilience – Despite a slight dip in consumer confidence, average household disposable income has rebounded, allowing more families to fund trips.
• Increased remote work – The flexibility that remote or hybrid work arrangements provide means families are less tethered to a single location.

2. Longer Stays, Longer Distances

Average trip length: The forecast indicates that travelers will stay 7.2 days on average, up from 6.8 days in 2024. The extended duration reflects a trend toward “holiday break” vacations—combining the holiday travel with a vacation away from home.

Distance traveled: AAA projects that the average traveler will cover 1,450 miles (2,334 km) during the break, a 3.2% increase over the 2024 average of 1,400 miles. This uptick stems from:

• Destination diversification – Travelers are increasingly heading to non‑traditional hotspots (e.g., western U.S. ski resorts, national parks in the Midwest).
• Improved infrastructure – New interstate expansions and upgraded highways have made longer drives more attractive.

3. Spending Patterns

Perhaps the most eye‑catching part of AAA’s report is the projected average expenditure of $3,950 per traveler during the Thanksgiving break—a 7.6% increase from the 2024 figure of $3,680. The forecast highlights the following spending trends:

The overall travel expenditure is expected to reach $62.5 billion, up from $58.8 billion in 2024. AAA notes that the rise is driven by a higher propensity to book premium accommodations and experience “high‑end” dining options even for traditionally budget‑conscious holiday travelers.

4. Popular Destinations

AAA’s analysis identifies the following destinations as the top picks for 2025 Thanksgiving:

1. Orlando, FL – Theme parks and family‑friendly resorts continue to dominate.
2. Nashville, TN – The city’s “Music City” branding draws a mix of cultural tourism and nightlife.
3. Denver, CO – Proximity to ski resorts and western attractions makes it a perennial favorite.
4. San Diego, CA – The pleasant weather and beaches attract families looking for mild climates.
5. Las Vegas, NV – With its array of shows and dining, Vegas remains a major draw even for families.

Travelers heading to these destinations are expected to spend 15–20% more on lodging than the national average—illustrating the premium that modern holiday travelers are willing to pay for an enhanced experience.

5. Impact on Transportation Infrastructure

AAA’s report also highlights the implications for the U.S. transportation network:

• Air travel – 2025 forecasts an increase of 1.2 million additional flights over the 2024 holiday season, with the most burdened airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Miami International (MIA).
• Roadways – Heavy traffic on major interstate corridors (I‑95, I‑10, I‑5) is projected, with a 10% rise in congestion-related delays relative to the previous year.
• Rail – While not as heavily utilized for Thanksgiving travel, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight routes anticipate a 4% rise in ticket sales.

AAA recommends travelers to plan for potential traffic snarls, especially on the first and last days of the break, and to consider alternative routes or travel modes when feasible.

6. Strategic Advice for Travelers

Given the projected changes, AAA’s 2025 Travel Forecast offers a handful of practical tips:

1. Book Early – With travel numbers on the rise, accommodation and flight bookings will fill up quickly. AAA advises securing reservations at least 90 days in advance.
2. Leverage Flexible Dates – Shifting travel dates by a day or two can save up to 15% on airfare and reduce highway congestion.
3. Consider Alternative Routes – For drivers, exploring less congested interstate loops or even scenic byways can significantly cut travel time.
4. Plan for Safety – With more miles on the road, AAA stresses the importance of vehicle maintenance checks, carrying spare tires, and staying alert for fatigue.
5. Use Rewards Programs – AAA’s partners—including airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies—offer points or discounts that can offset some of the projected spending increases.

7. Looking Ahead

While AAA’s forecast paints a picture of a bustling, record‑setting holiday travel season, it also underscores the evolving nature of the modern holiday traveler: a blend of family-oriented activities, higher spending power, and a willingness to venture farther and stay longer. The data offers valuable insights for travelers, hospitality operators, and policymakers alike.

For those interested in the raw numbers and a deeper dive into the methodology, AAA publishes a full PDF of the 2025 Travel Forecast (link to the document) and a related press release summarizing the key takeaways (link to the press release). Additional context can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website, which tracks annual travel patterns and economic impact.

As 2025 approaches, the collective planning and preparation—guided by AAA’s thorough analysis—will help ensure that the Thanksgiving travel break remains both enjoyable for families and sustainable for the infrastructure that supports it.