• AAA projects a record $81.8 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving, with $4.65 million Floridians traveling, marking a $2.6% state increase.
• Driving is the dominant mode (90% of travelers), with car rental rates down 15% and Wednesday afternoon forecasted as the worst time to drive.
• $6 million Americans will fly, with airfares averaging $700 round-trip, leading experts to urge flexibility due to recent flight reductions.
• Florida (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami) is the top domestic destination, while Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna lead international bookings

AAA projects that Thanksgiving travel will reach new record levels, with 81.8 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1, marking a 2% national increase over 2024. Florida is seeing a significant surge, with $4.65 million residents planning to travel, setting a new state record that reflects a 2.6% increase and establishing Florida as the top domestic destination based on AAA bookings.

Driving remains the overwhelmingly dominant mode, accounting for nearly 90% of all holiday travelers. Drivers will benefit from car rental rates being down 15% year-over-year and relatively lower gas prices. However, INRIX forecasts that the heaviest congestion will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before the holiday, with Sunday (November 30) being a period of heavy traffic for return journeys.

Despite recent flight reductions, $6 million Americans are still projected to fly. Domestic airfares are averaging $700 round-trip. Travelers are urged by experts to build flexibility into their plans, consider flying on Thanksgiving Day itself, and book early morning flights to avoid the rolling delays common during peak hours. Travel by bus, train, and cruise is also expected to rise nationally by 8.5%, with Thanksgiving cruises being particularly popular. International destinations topping the booking list include Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna.