California Joins Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Florida, and Others in Skyrocketing US Tourism During the Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Season of the Decade in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 24, 2025

California joins Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Florida, and others in skyrocketing U.S. tourism during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season of the decade in 2025, fueled by a projected 81.8 million travelers and rising demand for both air and road travel. With nearly 90% of travelers hitting the road and a significant surge in air traffic, this Thanksgiving is set to break records for travel volume. Over 360,000 scheduled flights and heightened congestion at major airports and highways reflect the overwhelming demand across key destinations like California, Florida, and New York. As millions of Americans head out for the holiday, this season promises to be the most hectic yet, making it essential for travelers to plan ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about the trends, peak travel days, and what to expect from the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in years.

Thanksgiving Travel Overview

This Thanksgiving, U.S. travel is expected to reach new heights, with a projected 81.8 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles or more, setting an all-time record according to AAA. Of these travelers, nearly 90%—approximately 73.3 million—will travel by car, underscoring the continued preference for road trips during the holiday season. Air travel is also seeing a notable rise, with 6.0 million people flying, marking a 2% increase from 2024 and the highest air travel volume since 2019. The air traffic surge is expected to be significant, with a 4% increase in overall U.S. air traffic year-over-year, and over 360,000 scheduled flights for the period, making this the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years according to the FAA.

Thanksgiving Travel Peak Days

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, both air and road travel are expected to hit their peak, with significant congestion predicted for the days leading up to and following the holiday. On Tuesday, November 25, over 52,000 scheduled flights are anticipated, making it the busiest single day for air operations this year, according to the FAA. By Sunday, November 30, TSA anticipates screening over 3 million passengers, marking one of the busiest TSA days on record. Road traffic will be at its heaviest during the afternoon and evening of Tuesday and Wednesday, as travelers head out for the holiday, with congestion peaking in major metropolitan areas. The return days of Sunday, November 30 and Monday, December 1 will also see high volumes of travelers, both on flights and highways, as people head home from their holiday destinations.

Key Travel and Hotel Demand Trends Across Major US Destinations

Florida (FL): Florida, with key markets like Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Tampa (TPA), sees high hotel demand, ranking among the Top 5 for occupancy. Key West has slightly dropped rates to maintain occupancy. Popular for theme parks and coastal getaways.

Hawaii (HI): Hawaii boasts 69% hotel occupancy, the highest in the U.S. Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (Maui) are major hubs, with modest rate drops in Kahului to attract more long-haul travelers. Known for island getaways and resort experiences.

Arizona (AZ): Phoenix (PHX) sees 10.5% growth in arrivals, with Sedona being a key market. The state enjoys high mainland occupancy due to its outdoor appeal and mild climate. Demand is slightly higher for nature-based escapes and desert weather.

New York (NY): New York City maintains high occupancy driven by major events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Air traffic remains steady, with holding steady rates. A prime destination for city breaks and cultural events.

California (CA): Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) are top domestic destinations. Anaheim and coastal areas see high occupancy, driven by theme parks and wine country. Hotel rates remain steady, reflecting consistent demand for California experiences.

Georgia (GA): Atlanta (ATL), a major travel hub, sees arrivals up 6.3%. Hotel demand remains high due to its business and cultural appeal. Rates are steady, and the city is a key connecting hub for both domestic and international travelers.

Nevada (NV): Las Vegas (LAS) is a high-demand market with affordable hotel rates compared to other cities. Known for entertainment and weekend getaways, it remains a top destination with strong hotel occupancy year-round. Rates are among the lowest during Thanksgiving.

California joins Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Florida, and others in skyrocketing U.S. tourism during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season of the decade in 2025, fueled by a projected 81.8 million travelers and rising demand for both air and road travel.

Conclusion

California joins Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Florida, and others in driving skyrocketing US tourism during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season of the decade in 2025. The projected 81.8 million travelers and the rising demand for both air and road travel highlight the record-breaking scale of this year’s holiday season. As air traffic surges and road congestion peaks, travelers will need to navigate high demand across major destinations. With over 360,000 scheduled flights and heavy road traffic, it is clear that this Thanksgiving will set new benchmarks for travel, making it essential for those planning to head out during this time to prepare for the busiest travel days in years.