The busiest travel day during the holiday season this year is expected to be December 23, according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans who plan to travel for the holidays. It found that post-December 31 is the most common time for travelers to head home. The day before Thanksgiving, November 28, will be the most popular travel day heading to a Thanksgiving destination, and the most popular timeframe to head home is after November 30. For New Year’s Day and Eve, December 31 and January 2 are expected to be the busiest days.
The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of IHG Hotels & Resorts, provided a comprehensive report on 2024 holiday travel trends. Florida is the top destination for those traveling out of state for Thanksgiving and the December holidays, while New York is the top stop for New Year’s travelers headed to another state. North Dakota is the least popular destination for Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and Vermont will be the least-visited state in December.
Based on the survey results, holiday vacationers are most looking forward to seeing family and eating good food but are dreading the cost of travel and navigating lines and crowds while in transit. More than a quarter of respondents have blackout dates on their calendars during the holiday season when they refuse to travel, with Gen Z being most likely to have blackout dates. IHG Hotels & Resorts is offering options that suit all types of travelers during the holiday season.
The majority of holiday travels will be reserved for visiting family, but some travelers have room for a side quest, with some opting to take solo trips during the holidays. A third of respondents are taking destination vacations with their loved ones, and a few are even exploring internationally. Most popular holiday locales and destinations for holiday travel include the city, suburbs, and rural towns.
Vacationers heading to the city are looking to experience city holidays, shop, and explore the city. Those going to the beach during the holidays see it as a tradition and a place with plenty of activities to keep busy. Some are heading to the mountains to recharge away from day-to-day responsibilities and spend time outdoors. Those heading to the beach and mountains are opting to stay at all-inclusive venues to relax during their vacation.
