Honolulu Joins Anaheim, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in Offering Incredible Allure of Warm-Weather Destinations Driving the Unstoppable US Holiday Travel Boom, Discover Your Perfect Road Trip Adventure to End the Year, New Update is Here

Published on December 17, 2025

Get ready. America is moving. A travel frenzy is about to hit the nation. This is not a drill. It is a record-breaking holiday season. The numbers are huge. The AAA forecast confirms this massive surge. We will see an all-time high for year-end vacation travel. Over 122.4 million Americans plan to travel. They will move at least 50 miles from home. This is a 13-day journey. It starts on December 20 and ends on January 1. This number shatters the old record. It represents a 2.2% increase over last year. People feel the desire to escape. They want to return home. They want to explore new lands. This huge number of travelers drives the entire market. The sheer volume of this US Holiday Travel period is unprecedented. Warm weather destinations lead the charge. They offer a simple promise: escape the winter cold. These tropical havens pull travelers across the country. We see this pull toward sun-drenched beaches. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Anaheim and Honolulu all feel this pressure. They are ready to welcome the crowds. The data shows this clear trend. The demand for US Holiday Travel is simply unstoppable.

The Great American Road Trip: Why 109.5 Million Travelers Choose the Car

The car remains king. The data makes this perfectly clear. A staggering 109.5 million Americans will travel by car. They choose their own vehicle. This is the ultimate road trip adventure. Driving is easy. It is convenient. It is often the low-cost champion of travel. A huge 89% of all holiday travelers will take to the road. This is why our highways will be jammed.

Drivers get one major piece of good news. Gas prices are cooperating this year. The national average recently dropped below $3 a gallon. This happened for the first time in four years. This price drop helps the US Holiday Travel budget. It makes driving even more appealing. But more cars mean more chaos. We must plan ahead.

AAA wants everyone to drive safely. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. This is a crucial reminder. We must make safe choices. We need to stay vigilant. The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on the road. Remember the “Slow Down, Move Over” law. Give tow truck drivers space. Give law enforcement room. We must keep everyone safe.

The demand for rental cars is also spiking. Saturday, December 20 is the busiest day for pick-ups. Travelers rent small SUVs the most. They want space and comfort for the US Holiday Travel journey. Top car rental markets are concentrated in warm, attractive regions. They include Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Phoenix. This shows where the ultimate travel goal lies.

Navigating the Chaos: Air Travel Hits New Heights

The skies are also breaking records. A projected 8.03 million travelers will fly domestically. This is massive news. It is the first time domestic air travelers have passed the 8 million mark. This shows a 2.3% increase over last year. More people want to fly. They want to get to their destination fast.

But this demand comes at a price. Flying is more expensive. A roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more expensive this year. It averages nearly $900 a ticket. That is a serious jump. Travelers must be smart about their booking. Fly on Christmas Day itself. That is the cheapest option. New Year’s flights are often pricey. Many people fly home on New Year’s Day. Others wait until Sunday, January 4.

Other forms of transport are also booming. Bus, train and cruise travel is up by 9%. This is a 25% increase since 2019. Cruises drive this trend. Post-pandemic demand for cruises is through the roof.

The Congestion Nightmare: When and Where to Expect Delays

Expect traffic. Expect huge traffic. The data is clear. Christmas week will be busier than New Year’s week. Interstates will be a nightmare. Travelers should avoid peak times.

Here is the INRIX data breakdown. It shows the worst times to drive:

• Weekend Rush: The Saturday (Dec 20) and Sunday (Dec 21) before Christmas will be brutal. Worst travel times are from noon until 8:00 PM on Saturday. Avoid Sunday afternoon travel between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Pre-Christmas Grind: Monday (Dec 22) and Tuesday (Dec 23) see the worst traffic from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Leave before 10:00 AM instead.
• Post-Christmas Dash: Friday (Dec 26) through Sunday (Dec 28) will be packed. The worst times are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• The Best Days: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will have minimal traffic. Miami to Orlando will see fewer cars than other days.

Some metro areas will be absolute gridlock. The worst spike is in Washington D.C. The route to Baltimore will see a shocking 133% increase in travel time. Boston will also suffer greatly. The route to Portsmouth will see a 126% increase. Getting to Anaheim or Honolulu by road is impossible, but traffic around Anaheim/LA will be intense. The drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs will see an 89% time increase on Friday, December 26. Plan your US Holiday Travel departure time with extreme care.

The Sunny Strategy: The Undeniable Allure of Warm-Weather Cities

Honolulu: A Tropical Escape with Smooth Roads and Easy Access

• Fueling Your Island Adventure: Convenient Petrol Stations Across Honolulu
  Honolulu’s petrol stations are well-distributed, with major brands like Costco, 76 and Shell ensuring smooth refuelling on your island getaway. Key areas, such as Waikīkī and downtown, offer plentiful options to keep you moving without disruption.
• Navigating Honolulu’s Scenic Roads: Easy Access to the Best Sights
  Honolulu is a breeze to explore by car. With easy access to major routes like Interstate H-1 and Kamehameha Highway, you can smoothly navigate your way to iconic spots such as Waikīkī Beach and Diamond Head.
• Ideal Temperatures Year-Round: Prepare for Honolulu’s Consistent Warmth
  With temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s °F (24–28°C), Honolulu offers perfect driving weather throughout the year, making it the ideal destination for a holiday road trip.
• Hotel Options to Suit Every Traveller: Find Your Perfect Stay in Waikīkī
  From high-end resorts to boutique hotels near Ala Moana and Waikīkī, Honolulu’s accommodation caters to all budgets. Whether you’re after a luxury stay or something more relaxed, options are plentiful.
• Pro Tips for Smooth Travel in Honolulu: Avoid Traffic and Stay Safe
  To avoid heavy traffic congestion in popular spots like Waikīkī, consider using navigation apps for real-time updates. Parking in central Honolulu can be pricey, so plan ahead for public parking or hotel valet services.

Anaheim: The Heart of Southern California’s Road Travel Fun

• Refuel for Adventure: Easy Access to Gas Stations in Anaheim
  Anaheim’s well-positioned gas stations along Interstate 5 and CA-91 make refuelling easy for road-trippers. With major brands like Chevron and Shell, you’ll never be far from a fuel stop during your theme park adventures.
• Take the Scenic Route: Efficient Roads to Disneyland and Beyond
  Drive through Anaheim’s smooth roads, connecting major highways like I-5 to Disneyland, Anaheim Stadium and other family-friendly destinations. Expect light congestion during peak times but efficient travel otherwise.
• Mild Winter Weather: Perfect for Road Trips and Theme Park Fun
  With average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s °F (16–23°C), Anaheim offers fantastic weather for outdoor activities. The comfortable winter climate ensures that your journey is pleasant year-round.
• Stay Close to the Magic: Hotel Choices Near Disneyland
  Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland and other attractions offers a wide range of family-friendly hotels and upscale resorts, especially along Harbor Boulevard. Booking ahead is essential for holiday periods to secure prime spots.
• Top Travel Tips for Anaheim: Plan for Crowds and Peak Hours
  Anaheim’s popularity means heavy traffic around theme park opening and closing hours. Use apps to track traffic and adjust your departure times to avoid delays during the busiest parts of the day.

Miami: A Road Trip Through the Sunshine State’s Vibrant Streets

• Fuel Up for Fun: Miami’s Gas Stations Keep You on the Move
  Miami has a robust network of gas stations, from standard brands to EV charging hubs, allowing travelers to fuel up easily. Make sure to top off in neighborhoods like Coral Gables or South Beach for easy access.
• Breezing Through Miami: Major Routes and Smooth Travel
  Miami’s road system, particularly I-95 and I-395, provides quick access to beaches, entertainment districts, and iconic landmarks. While traffic can get congested during rush hour, you’ll find that Miami’s highways serve well for leisurely drives.
• Tropical Comfort: Miami’s Warm Weather Makes Road Trips Easy
  Miami’s subtropical climate means warm winter temperatures averaging 70°F (21°C). Whether you’re exploring Little Havana or cruising to South Beach, expect ideal conditions for road trips and scenic drives.
• Stay in Style: Luxury and Budget-Friendly Hotels Across Miami
  Miami offers a variety of hotel options for travelers: high-end resorts like Fontainebleau Miami Beach, boutique options in South Beach and budget-friendly stays near Miami International Airport for convenience.
• Driving Tips for Miami: Navigate Busy Streets with Ease
  During high tourist seasons, Miami streets can be packed. Use apps to avoid areas of heavy congestion and always factor in the possibility of tolls on highways like Florida’s Turnpike.

Fort Lauderdale: A Sunny Road Travel Hub in South Florida

• Fuel Stations Around Fort Lauderdale: Always a Pit Stop Away
  With ample petrol stations around Fort Lauderdale Beach and Interstate 95, travelers can fuel up easily along their journey. Popular brands like Chevron and Exxon ensure refuelling doesn’t slow you down.
• Smooth Drives Through the Sunshine State: Routes to Explore
  Key roads like I-95 and I-595 make traveling to Fort Lauderdale and other South Florida destinations a breeze. Traffic congestion can occur during peak times, but these routes are well-connected for both tourists and locals.
• Ideal Weather for Road Trips: Enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s Year-Round Sunshine
  Fort Lauderdale’s tropical climate provides sunny weather with mild winter highs around 70°F–80°F (21°C–27°C), perfect for a comfortable road trip along the beaches and waterways of the region.
• Choose Your Stay: Fort Lauderdale’s Diverse Hotels Near the Coast
  From luxurious hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach to budget accommodations in the Las Olas district, the city provides a variety of lodging choices. Be sure to book early during peak holiday seasons.
• Road Travel Tips for Fort Lauderdale: Plan for Miami Traffic
  Be mindful of Miami-bound traffic if traveling along I-95 or I-595, as congestion can spike. If you’re heading to the beaches or downtown, expect busy streets during peak hours, especially on weekends.

Orlando: The Ultimate Road Travel Destination for Theme Park Enthusiasts

• Fueling Up for Disney and Beyond: Orlando’s Gas Stations Make It Easy
  Orlando has plenty of petrol stations along Interstate 4 and Florida’s Turnpike, from well-known brands to EV stations for electric vehicles, allowing you to keep your car running during your theme park adventures.
• Effortless Travel: Main Roads to Theme Parks and Downtown Orlando
  Interstates like I-4 and Beachline Expressway provide direct access to major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. While traffic can increase during the holiday season, the roads are generally easy to navigate.
• Sunshine Year-Round: Orlando’s Mild Winter Weather for Road Trips
  With average temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13–24°C), Orlando offers mild and sunny conditions perfect for road trips between its famed theme parks and local attractions like ICON Park and Gatorland.
• Where to Stay: Hotels for Every Budget in the Heart of Orlando
  From affordable motels to luxury resorts near Disney World and International Drive, Orlando’s accommodation options cater to all types of travelers. Booking ahead is recommended for popular holiday seasons to secure the best rates.
• Essential Travel Tips for Orlando: Avoid Theme Park Traffic Delays
  Avoid peak travel times like early morning and closing hours when theme park crowds are heaviest. Using GPS and apps to monitor traffic flow will help avoid congestion on I-4 and around the major attractions.

Other Domestic Hotspots Fueling US Holiday Travel

The rest of the domestic top 10 list reinforces the sun-seeking trend:

• Tampa, FL (Rank 6): This is a cultural gem. Tampa offers a festive atmosphere. It is quieter than Orlando. Ybor City is a historic must-see.
• New York City, NY (Rank 7): NYC is the cold-weather outlier. It attracts huge crowds. Visitors want to see the Rockefeller Center tree. They want the Times Square New Year’s Eve spectacle. It is a necessary part of US Holiday Travel.
• Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (Rank 9): This is a cultural hub. It offers museums and shopping.
• Las Vegas, NV (Rank 10): Vegas is always ready to party. It is especially busy for New Year’s Eve. Reserve your shows now.

Tropical Dream Destinations: The Caribbean and Mexico Draw the Crowds

International travel is dominated by nearby warm-weather destinations. These locations are easy to reach. They promise luxury and heat.

• Cancun, Mexico (Rank 1): Cancun leads the international list. It is the heart of the Riviera Maya. It offers luxury resorts. Travelers visit ancient Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (Rank 2): This destination is famous for all-inclusive resorts. It has stunning white-sand beaches. It offers great comfort and accessibility.
• Cozumel, Mexico (Rank 3): This island is a diver’s paradise. It is known worldwide for its incredible underwater life.
• San Jose, Costa Rica (Rank 4): A major center for nature lovers. Travelers start here to explore volcanoes and rainforests.
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Rank 5): This city offers a great mix. It has a beautiful boardwalk (Malecón). It features a lively art scene and excellent food.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rank 6): San Juan attracts visitors with its history. The colorful Old San Juan district is a must-see.
• Nassau, Bahamas (Rank 7): This classic island destination offers tropical paradise. You can visit the famous swimming pigs of Exuma.
• Oranjestad, Aruba (Rank 9): Aruba is known as “One Happy Island.” It promises reliably sunny, dry weather. Its Dutch colonial architecture is beautiful.

Global Wonders and Unexpected Gems

The list also includes two massive global destinations. They prove that some travelers go for history or unique climate.

• Rome, Italy (Rank 8): Rome is the Eternal City. It draws visitors for its ancient history. The Colosseum and the Vatican are powerful attractions.
• Sydney, Australia (Rank 10): Sydney is a unique choice. It is in the Southern Hemisphere. Travelers enjoy summer weather. It hosts a globally famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour.

Planning Your Perfect Year-End Adventure

The message is simple: plan now. The 122.4 million travelers will create massive crowds. Book your flights early. Reserve your rental car, especially if you plan to visit Orlando or Miami. Know when to drive. Avoid the worst travel times. Do not get caught in the 133% Washington D.C. traffic spike. If you drive to Fort Lauderdale, leave early in the morning. If you fly to Honolulu or Anaheim, prepare for crowded airports. Your US Holiday Travel adventure should be fun. Do not let congestion ruin it.

The allure of the sun is powerful. Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are waiting. Miami is ready to party. The beaches of Honolulu and the parks of Anaheim beckon. This record-breaking US Holiday Travel season shows America’s powerful desire to explore. Pack your bags. Hit the road. Enjoy your vacation. The US Holiday Travel boom is here.

In conclusion, this unprecedented movement of people signals a new era for US Holiday Travel. We must thank AAA for providing this crucial forecast. It gives us the data needed for a successful trip. It helps us navigate the massive crowds heading to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Anaheim and Honolulu. This incredible movement of over 122 million Americans proves that the desire to travel and escape is stronger than ever. The insights from the AAA forecast and S&P Global Market Intelligence are essential tools for every traveler this year.