Colorado Joins Texas, California, Washington, And Other Major US Travel Destinations Projecting Over Eighty Million Tourists During Thanksgiving Travel Surge

Published on November 19, 2025

Colorado, along with Texas, California, Washington, and other major US travel destinations, is projecting an influx of over eighty million tourists during the Thanksgiving period, marking a record-breaking travel surge. This significant rise in travel is driven by a combination of factors, including the easing of pandemic restrictions, pent-up demand for travel, and a growing desire for domestic getaways. As airports, highways, and popular tourist spots brace for the heavy influx, travelers are urged to plan ahead for potential delays and increased crowds. With these states drawing the largest number of visitors, the Thanksgiving holiday is set to be one of the busiest in recent history.

Thanksgiving is a time for families to reunite, friends to gather, and travelers to embark on their holiday journeys. This year, the holiday season is set to be one of the busiest in history, with over 81 million Americans expected to travel between November 25 and December 1, 2023. This marks a significant increase of approximately 1.6 million more travelers compared to 2022. The surge in travel, particularly in major destinations such as Colorado, Texas, California, Washington, and many others, calls for careful planning and preparation to ensure smooth, stress-free journeys.

In this guide, we’ll explore all the critical details surrounding this travel surge, providing insights into peak travel times, the most popular destinations, strategies to avoid traffic congestion, and specific city routes that will see the highest levels of congestion. From airfare costs to ideal departure times, this guide will ensure you’re equipped with everything you need to navigate the busy Thanksgiving travel season.

Over 81 Million Tourists Expected: A Major Thanksgiving Travel Surge

Thanksgiving 2023 is expected to see one of the largest travel surges in recent memory, with over 81 million Americans hitting the road and taking to the skies. According to AAA, this represents a 1.6 million increase in travelers compared to last year. The demand for travel has been fueled by multiple factors, including the easing of pandemic restrictions, a strong economy, and an increasing desire to reunite with loved ones for the holidays.

The bulk of the travelers will choose to drive, while about 6 million are expected to take flights. As the number of travelers grows, so does the need for preparation. The challenge for many will be to avoid the traffic bottlenecks, long airport security lines, and last-minute flight delays that typically accompany the Thanksgiving rush.

Thanksgiving Travel Trends: Navigating Peak Days and Flight Costs

The Thanksgiving holiday kicks off on Thursday, November 27, 2023, marking the official start of the holiday travel season. However, many travelers begin their journeys earlier, taking advantage of the long holiday weekend. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and be mindful of the peak days and times when traffic and flight delays are most likely.

For those flying, the average cost of a domestic round-trip ticket stands at $700, consistent with prices from the previous year. However, Priceline reports that the average cost of airfare is slightly lower, with prices around $403, reflecting a 5% decrease compared to 2022. These variations in airfare reflect the highly competitive nature of the market, with travelers opting for either direct flights or budget carriers to save on travel costs.

Top Thanksgiving Destinations: Popular Cities and International Travel

When it comes to popular travel destinations, cities like Orlando, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami, Florida are expected to see the highest volume of visitors. The sunny Florida coast is a hot spot for both domestic and international tourists, offering warm weather and vibrant attractions. Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida, are also top destinations that are likely to see a significant influx of travelers.

International destinations are also experiencing a surge in interest. Amsterdam, Paris, and Vienna are expected to attract many US travelers, particularly those looking for European holiday experiences. Mexico continues to be a favorite for those seeking a more tropical getaway, with destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana drawing international visitors looking to soak up the sun.

Avoiding Peak Travel Times: Tips for Smooth Journeys

With such a massive surge in travel, it’s essential to plan your departure times carefully. According to experts, the best way to avoid the heaviest traffic is to leave as early as possible. The ideal times to head out are before noon on Tuesday, November 25, and before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26. By avoiding peak hours, travelers can reduce the likelihood of getting caught in traffic congestion, especially on the day before Thanksgiving when roads are expected to be the busiest.

Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to be relatively quiet in terms of travel congestion. Many travelers will have already arrived at their destinations, leaving the roads clear for late arrivals. If you’re traveling on Thanksgiving Day, you’re likely to encounter much less congestion compared to the days leading up to the holiday.

Worst Times for Travel: When to Expect Heavy Congestion

While early departures are key to avoiding delays, there are specific times when you should prepare for heavy congestion. Travelers should brace for the worst traffic on the following days and times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 25: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 28: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 29: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 1: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

These windows represent peak travel times when highways, airports, and public transit systems will be at their most congested. During these periods, expect longer-than-usual travel times as well as crowded terminals and baggage claims.

Peak Congestion in Major Cities: Routes to Watch Out For

In addition to understanding peak travel days and times, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific routes that will experience the heaviest traffic. Major cities across the US will see substantial congestion, particularly during peak travel hours. Here’s a breakdown of some of the worst routes and estimated delays in the busiest cities:

• Atlanta: The route from Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E will see heavy congestion on Sunday, Nov. 30, starting at 3:30 p.m., with an expected travel time of 5 hours and 16 minutes, representing a 53% increase in travel time.
• Boston: Traffic from Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrims Hwy S will be particularly bad on Thursday, Nov. 27, starting at 11:45 a.m., with an estimated travel time of 2 hours, an increase of 108%.
• Denver: Travelers on Pueblo to Denver via I-25 N should avoid Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m., as the trip will take 3 hours, a 64% increase from normal conditions.
• Houston: The route from Galveston to Houston via I-45 N will be congested on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m., with a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, a 47% increase.
• Los Angeles: If you’re traveling from Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N on Wednesday, Nov. 26, expect delays starting at 7:45 p.m., with a total travel time of 4 hours and 10 minutes, a staggering 147% increase.
• New York: The trip from New York to the Hamptons via Long Island Expressway E will be particularly bad on Tuesday, Nov. 25, starting at 4:30 p.m., with an expected travel time of 4 hours and 8 minutes, a 163% increase in travel time.
• San Francisco: The route from San Francisco to Santa Rosa via US-101 N will see congestion on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7:15 p.m., with a travel time of 2 hours and 34 minutes, representing a 114% increase in travel time.
• Washington, DC: Travelers on the route from Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Parkway N on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 4:30 p.m., will experience delays, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes, a 166% increase.

By being aware of these congestion points, travelers can better plan their routes or consider alternative paths to avoid long delays.

Planning Ahead for a Smooth Thanksgiving Journey

Thanksgiving 2023 promises to be one of the busiest travel seasons in recent history, with over 81 million Americans venturing out to celebrate the holiday. Whether you’re traveling to Colorado’s ski resorts, visiting family in Texas, relaxing on the beaches of California, or experiencing the vibrant cities of Washington, the key to a successful holiday travel experience is preparation.

Be sure to book your flights, hotels, and rental cars well in advance, as many popular destinations are likely to be fully booked due to the high volume of travelers. Arrive at the airport early to ensure you can navigate security checks without stress, and plan your driving routes ahead of time, factoring in peak traffic times.

For those traveling by car, consider using real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze to stay informed about road conditions and alternate routes. If you’re flying, check your flight status for any delays and sign up for notifications to stay updated.

Lastly, remember that Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. While the travel may be hectic, taking proactive steps to plan your journey can help ensure a smooth, memorable holiday experience.

Colorado, along with Texas, California, Washington, and other major US travel destinations, is projecting over eighty million tourists during the Thanksgiving travel surge due to increased domestic travel and pent-up demand. As holiday plans ramp up, these states are set to experience record-breaking numbers of travelers eager to reunite with family and explore popular destinations.

The 2023 Thanksgiving travel season is set to be one for the books, with over 81 million Americans taking to the roads and skies. With careful planning and awareness of peak travel times and routes, travelers can ensure that they avoid the worst congestion and make the most of their holiday experience. Whether heading to Colorado’s snow-capped mountains, Texas’ family-friendly destinations, California’s sun-soaked coast, or Washington’s scenic landscapes, the Thanksgiving journey will be an adventure to remember.