(COLORADO) — AAA expects 79.9 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase over 2023 and a 2-million-person jump from 2019. The travel period, extended this year from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, reflects growing demand spurred by wage growth, falling inflation, and lower gas prices.
“Remember, travel is an economic choice,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “While post-pandemic pessimism about the economy lingers, it hasn’t borne out in travel trendlines – which is good news for Colorado’s hospitality industry, even as travelers can expect choked-up roadways and long lines at airports.”
Highlights by Travel Mode
Driving: A record 71.7 million will drive this Thanksgiving, up 1.3 million from last year. In Colorado, gas prices average $2.98, ranging from $2.78 in Greeley to $3.61 in Vail.
Flying: Nearly 5.84 million people will fly, a 2% increase from 2023 and an 11% jump from 2019. Domestic fares are up 3%, but international flight costs have dropped 5%, driving a 23% surge in bookings abroad.
Other Modes: About 2.3 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise, up 9% from last year and 18% from 2019, with cruising fueling much of the growth.
U.S. TravelersTotalAutoAirOther202479.9 million71.7 million5.8 million2.3 million202378.2 million70.4 million5.7 million2.1 million201977.8 million70.6 million5.3 million1.9 millionTravel numbers by mode
Courtesy: AAA
Gas Prices and Travel Times
Gas prices are trending downward nationally, with the average possibly dipping below $3 for the first time since 2021. Colorado drivers will see the worst congestion on southbound I-25 from Fort Collins to Denver on Friday, Nov. 29, around 1 p.m., when travel times could increase by 44%.
The worst times to travel by car over Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
The best time to hit the road is Thanksgiving Day when highways are typically clear.
For the return trip, drivers traveling on Sunday should leave early in the morning, while those traveling on Monday should prepare for a mix of holiday and commuter traffic.
Courtesy: AAA
AAA advises holiday travelers to prepare for delays and crowds:
By Car: Get a vehicle inspection, plan alternate routes, and avoid distractions.
By Air: Arrive early, pack essentials in carry-ons, and book flights earlier in the day to minimize delays.
“When you’re stuck in traffic, remember you can’t be mad at traffic: You are traffic,” McKinley said. “Take a beat, take a deep breath, and take in the beautiful Colorado scenery. You’re going to get to where you need to be, though you should build in extra time if you have appointments to keep.”
Top Destinations
Warmer locales dominate, with Florida, Las Vegas, and Hawaii leading domestic travel, while Europe and the Caribbean remain popular international spots.
Courtesy: AAA
AAA also urges drivers to prioritize safety by slowing down and moving over for first responders, tow trucks, and roadside vehicles. With planning, this year’s holiday travel promises to be a smooth and memorable experience.
