Melissa Donovan
Thanksgiving travel is set to break records this year, and Florida—especially Orlando—is once again among the nation’s most in-demand destinations. AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1, marking a new all-time high and an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024.
Thanksgiving continues to rank as the busiest travel holiday of the year, outpacing Memorial Day and July 4. The surge highlights how important holiday gatherings remain for Americans.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Road Travel Expected to Dominate, with Millions Heading to Florida
Driving remains the top choice for holiday travelers. AAA estimates 73 million people will hit the road nationwide—nearly 90% of all travelers and an increase of 1.3 million compared to last year. With recent flight disruptions, AAA notes that even more people may ultimately switch to driving.
Florida’s major hubs—including Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami—are anticipated to see heavy road traffic as families head to theme parks, beaches, and cruise ports.
For those renting vehicles, AAA’s partner Hertz reports that Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. Demand is especially high in Orlando, along with Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. AAA’s data also shows domestic car rental prices are 15% lower than last year.
Drivers should also be prepared for busy gas stations. Fuel prices are in line with last Thanksgiving, when the national average was $3.06 per gallon. AAA recommends filling up the night before traveling, checking tire pressure, and testing vehicle batteries. Last year, the agency handled nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls over the Thanksgiving period.
Safety remains a key concern—particularly impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving celebrations from 2019 to 2023, representing 35% of all traffic fatalities during that period. AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead, use rideshare services, designate a sober driver, or opt for public transportation.
Air Travel Sees Moderate Growth, with Orlando Among Top Markets
AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically for Thanksgiving, a 2% uptick from 2024. However, recent flight cancellations may lead some passengers to pivot to road trips.
Roundtrip domestic airfare is averaging $700, consistent with last year. Flying on Thanksgiving Day remains the most affordable option, while returning the following Sunday or Monday drives prices higher.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)—one of the country’s busiest holiday hubs—is expected to experience significant demand from both domestic visitors and Floridians heading out of state.
Buses, Trains, and Cruises Gain Momentum
Travel by bus, rail, and cruise ship is expected to rise 8.5%, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. Cruise vacations continue to grow rapidly, with AAA projecting 20.7 million Americans will cruise in 2025 and even more in 2026.
Florida’s ports—including Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades—remain among the world’s busiest for Thanksgiving-week departures, especially to the Caribbean.
Florida Dominates AAA’s Top Thanksgiving Destinations
According to AAA’s holiday booking data, Florida claims several top domestic spots:
Top U.S. Thanksgiving Destinations
Orlando, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Miami, FL
Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
Tampa, FL
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
Honolulu, HI
Las Vegas, NV
Atlanta, GA
Florida’s popularity is driven by its world-class theme parks, cruise ports, warm weather, and family-friendly attractions.
Internationally, travelers are heading to Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Cancun, Sydney, Aruba, and other major global cities.
Best and Worst Times to Drive: What Florida Travelers Should Know
Heavy congestion is expected statewide—especially around Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and major theme parks.
Worst travel windows include:
Tuesday, Nov. 25: 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday–Sunday, Nov. 28–30: Afternoons and evenings see the heaviest congestion.
Best times to avoid delays:
Travel early, generally before 11 a.m., or late in the evening when possible.
Florida Prepares for Its Busiest Thanksgiving Yet
With record-breaking travel volumes, Florida’s airports, highways, and tourist destinations are preparing for one of the busiest Thanksgiving seasons ever. From Orlando’s theme parks to South Florida’s beaches and ports, the state remains a top choice for families seeking warm weather and holiday experiences.
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead—whether hitting the road, heading to the airport, or boarding a cruise—to make the most of this record-setting holiday week.
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