10 Surprising Destinations Travelers Are Booking First for 2025—See Why They’re Filling Up Fast

U.S. Thanksgiving 2025 is shaping up to be the busiest stretch of travel on record, with 81.8 million travelers projected to journey 50 miles or more between November 25 and December 1, according to AAA’s annual forecast—1.6 million more people than last year and the highest count since records began in 2000. Road-trip surge • Nearly 73 million travelers—about 9 in 10—plan to drive. Car-rental demand peaks on Wednesday, especially in Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Newark. • Gas prices are mirroring 2024’s $3.06 national average, and rental rates are 15 % lower, helping to fuel the surge. • Traffic-data firm INRIX warns that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will bring the heaviest congestion; leaving before noon can cut travel time by up to 60 %. Airports bracing for crowds • Six million travelers will fly domestically, a 2 % jump year over year. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 17.8 million passengers during the seven-day window and more than 3 million on Sunday, November 30 alone—its busiest day in agency history. • Average round-trip airfare sits at $700, but flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can save up to 20 %, while returning Monday instead of Sunday shaves costs and lines. Other modes gaining steam • Bus, train and cruise bookings are up 8.5 % to nearly 2.5 million travelers. Caribbean cruises remain a Thanksgiving favorite thanks to all-inclusive pricing and warmer weather. Top destinations 2025 Domestic hot spots: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Anaheim/Los Angeles, Tampa, New York City, San Francisco, Honolulu, Las Vegas and Atlanta. International favorites: Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Cancún, Punta Cana, Basel (for Christmas markets), Sydney, Barcelona, Budapest and Aruba. Expert tips for smooth holiday travel 1. Finalize plans now: With record demand, last-minute airfare and hotel prices can spike 25 % or more. 2. Check your vehicle: AAA handled nearly 600,000 roadside calls last Thanksgiving—battery and tire checks can prevent delays. 3. Time your drive: Hit the road before 11 a.m. Wednesday or after 8 p.m. Monday to dodge gridlock. 4. Use technology: Real-time traffic apps and TSA’s MyTSA wait-time tool can shave precious minutes off your trip. 5. Stay flexible: Ongoing airline schedule changes make refundable tickets and travel insurance more valuable than ever. Why 2025 travel is exploding • Strong job growth, lower unemployment and stable fuel prices have boosted disposable income. • Pent-up “revenge travel” appetite remains high three years after pandemic restrictions eased. • Families are prioritizing experiences, with multigenerational trips accounting for a record share of bookings. Bottom line From packed interstates to standing-room-only concourses, Thanksgiving 2025 is poised to test America’s travel infrastructure like never before. Whether you’re one of the 73 million road warriors or squeezing through airport security with 3 million others, planning ahead—and packing your patience—will be the keys to a stress-free holiday homecoming.