‘Tis the season for making a list, checking it twice, booking travel plans—and arriving early to catch your flight.
The 2024 holiday season is nearly upon us, so we asked nearly 1,350 U.S.-based TripIt users about their holiday travel plans. Many will be traveling to spend it with family or friends, while others plan to relax on a much-needed getaway.
Whether you’re gathering with loved ones to celebrate or hitting the road on an adventure, here are four things to know to help you navigate traveling over the holidays this year:
1. More than half of TripIt travelers plan to travel this holiday season
It’s been a record-breaking year for travel in the U.S.—potentially signaling a busy holiday travel season ahead. According to our recent survey, more than half (51%) of TripIt travelers are planning to travel this holiday season. Another 17% said they were unsure if they’d travel—so there’s room for that number to grow.
Tip: Traveling during the busy holiday season? Plan ahead by arriving at the airport early, keeping your travel plans organized in TripIt, and in case of delays, knowing your options for getting on an alternate flight.
2. Christmas travel plans sleigh the competition
Will Thanksgiving be dethroned as the busiest holiday for American travelers? Our data suggests it may. More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they will travel for Christmas, while slightly more than half (54%) said they plan to travel for Thanksgiving.
One-third (33%) plan to travel for New Year's, and 8% plan to travel for other reasons in the coming months, including fall trips, to attend football games, and to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
3. Most travelers will fly—whether to give thanks or gifts
Flying home—or elsewhere—for the holidays? You’ll be in good company. Of those who are traveling over the holidays, more than half (57%) plan to fly domestically and more than a third (35%) will take an international flight.
This holiday season:
- 57% will take a domestic flight
- 47% will stay in a hotel
- 43% will take a road trip with a personal car
- 35% will fly internationally
- 34% will stay with friends/family
- 18% will stay in a vacation rental
- 10% will take a cruise
- 8% will take a road trip with a rented car or RV
- 7% will travel by train
4. One-third of TripIt travelers are staying home—some just to avoid travel disruptions
But not everyone will be traveling this holiday season: nearly one-third (32%) of respondents said they’re not planning to.
Of those who’re planning to stay local:
- 59% said they don’t have a reason to travel
- 35% are saving travel for outside the holiday season
- 26% have friends/family traveling to them
- 15% are opting out to save money
- 14% want to avoid travel disruptions
- 8% want to avoid seasonal illness
Methodology: TripIt surveyed nearly 1,350 U.S.-based users to understand their past and upcoming travel plans, plus their priorities, preferences, and behaviors regarding travel and travel planning. The survey took place September 18-26, 2024.
