Exploring Holiday Travel Trends for Americans This Season

Understanding Holiday Travel Trends in the U.S.

A recent survey has provided intriguing insights into how Americans plan to travel during the holiday season. This study, which involved over 2,300 adults, showcases a variety of travel habits and preferences that stand out during Thanksgiving and New Year's. The findings underscore the impact of costs, scheduling demands, and family traditions on holiday travel choices.

The Balancing Act of Holiday Travel

Keri Stooksbury, the editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, shared valuable perspectives on the struggles and emotional aspects of holiday travel. "Holiday travel is always a struggle between logistics and emotion," she remarked. As travelers weigh long distances against budgetary constraints, choosing whether to fly, drive, or even stay home becomes a critical decision. Stooksbury emphasized that their insights aim to guide preparation for a more festive rather than frantic holiday season.

Survey Details and Methodology

The survey took place in September 2025, assessing typical travel behaviors among a balanced sample of U.S. adults, categorized by state and gender. Participants were queried regarding their planned trip distances, modes of transport, travel budgets, and various personal factors influencing their choices. The calculated statistics included state-specific data and were verified for accuracy, ensuring reliability in travel predictions for the upcoming season.

Holiday Travel Snapshot

The results reveal intriguing patterns: a substantial 56% of Americans favor celebrating at home. Conversely, 34% will visit others, while merely 9% intend to vacation elsewhere. Travel dynamics vary with the holiday type; notably, Thanksgiving generally sees shorter trips, with 28% of travelers going beyond 50 miles. Christmas, however, draws longer excursions, with 34% traveling over 50 miles and 10% embarking on journeys exceeding 500 miles.

Travel Frequency by State

When examining state-specific travel habits, the survey highlights the residents most likely to embark on journeys:

1. Ohio: 62%
2. Connecticut: 58%
3. Texas: 56.1%
4. Iowa and Washington: 54% (tie)
5. Virginia: 53.7%
6. Nebraska: 52.9%
7. South Dakota: 52.6%
8. California: 50% (tie)
9. New York: 50% (tie)

In contrast, states where residents prefer to stay home include:

1. Nevada: 72.7%
2. Utah: 71.2%
3. Hawaii: 68.1%
4. Missouri and Oklahoma: 66% (tie)
5. Michigan: 65.3%
6. Idaho: 64%
7. Pennsylvania: 63.6%
8. Kansas: 63.5%
9. Indiana: 63.3%

As we look at different travel avenues this season, an impressive 74% of people are opting out of flying. Notably, 26% plan to take at least one flight, while an encouraging 14% prefer long road trips to sidestep the stress associated with airports. Beyond transportation, financial considerations are substantially shaping travel plans, with 21% foregoing travel due to costs and nearly 30% anticipating expenditures exceeding $1,000 on travel this season.

Long-Distance Holiday Travel Plans

Remarkably, Colorado stands out for long-distance travel, with 24.5% of residents indicating intentions to cover 500 miles or more. About 20% anticipate spending more than 10 hours on the road, marking the state as a leader in epic travel this season. Following Colorado are several other states with a high percentage of residents planning lengthy journeys:

1. Colorado: 24.5% planning journeys over 500 miles
2. Arizona: 20.8%
3. Missouri: 19.2%
4. Massachusetts: 18%
5. New Mexico: 17%

The survey offers full insights through comprehensive results, providing helpful maps reflecting these travel patterns.

The Role of Upgraded Points in Travel Planning

Upgraded Points LLC, based in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to navigating the often complex landscape of travel and credit card points. Founded by Alex Miller in 2016, the company focuses on thorough research to help travelers maximize their travel experiences. For more information about their offerings, visit their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary finding of the recent travel survey?

The survey reveals that a significant percentage of Americans still prefer holiday celebrations at home over traveling elsewhere.

How many Americans plan to travel during the holidays?

About 44% feel obligated to travel, while many also weigh the willingness versus obligation to spend time with family.

Which state has the highest percentage of travelers?

Ohio tops the list, with 62% of its residents planning to travel during the holiday season.

How has the travel trend changed this year?

This year, many travelers are avoiding flying and seeking alternatives like long drives to reduce stress and costs.

Who is Upgraded Points LLC, and what do they do?

Upgraded Points LLC is a travel-focused company that helps individuals understand and optimize their travel points and experiences.

About The Author

Hi there, As a writer and financial specialist, Henry Turner is passionate about guiding people through the complex world of finance. Having worked in finance for many years, I am an expert at simplifying difficult financial ideas into understandable, useful insights for my blog and articles. My goal is to arm you with the confidence and information you need to make wise financial choices.

Writing for a number of financial blogs has allowed me to interact with readers from novice investors looking for fresh ideas to seasoned investors starting their financial journeys. My mission is to enable everyone to understand and access finance, so enabling you to confidently and clearly reach your financial goals. I appreciate you traveling with me toward success and financial literacy.

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