T
his year's Thanksgiving travel forecast is looking strong, with an estimated 79.9 million people planning to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday period. This represents a 1.7 million increase over last year and 2 million more than in 2019.

    According to AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber, "Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we're expecting to set new records across the board." Americans are reconnecting with family and friends over Thanksgiving, driving up demand for travel.

    A record 71.7 million people will drive to their destinations this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Drivers can expect lower gas prices compared to last year, with a national average of around $3 per gallon or less in some areas.

    Air travel is also expected to break records, with 5.84 million passengers flying domestically. Domestic airfare costs are up 3% this year, but international flights are seeing a surge in bookings due to lower prices.

    Around 2.3 million travelers will opt for other modes of transportation like buses, trains, and cruises, marking an 18% increase from 2019. The cruise industry is experiencing a strong rebound post-pandemic, with domestic and international bookings up 20%.

    Florida stands out as the top destination this Thanksgiving, with four cities making the list due to their beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports. Other popular spots include New York, California, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, while Europe and the Caribbean lead the way internationally for beach resorts, iconic attractions, and river cruises.