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Adapting Holiday Plans: Americans Choose Affordability Amid Rising Costs

As the holiday season approaches, American travelers are facing rising travel costs, leading them to adjust their plans significantly. A recent survey conducted by Hertz has revealed that a notable portion of the population is prioritizing affordability in their travel decisions this year. According to the findings, six out of ten individuals planning to travel for Thanksgiving and the December holidays indicate that the surge in airfare is influencing them to opt for driving instead of flying.

The Impact of Rising Airfares

The survey indicates a clear trend towards driving as a more economical choice for families and groups. Specifically, 37% of respondents considering Thanksgiving travel mentioned that they would drive rather than fly to save on costs. This decision highlights a shift in behavior, as many travelers seek to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality time with loved ones.

Hertz's advance rental reservations provide further insight into this trend, showing a 16% increase in bookings for Thanksgiving and a 7% rise for the Christmas and New Year's period compared to last year. Chris Berg, President of Rental at Hertz, emphasized the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of rental car travel for families, recommending it as an ideal alternative to purchasing multiple airline tickets.

Travel Plans for Thanksgiving

The survey results reveal that nearly half (48%) of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving, while 44% are making arrangements for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. With many travelers expressing concerns about rising expenses, over one-third (37%) indicated that these costs are impacting their Thanksgiving plans, whether by altering their itineraries, cutting back on other expenses, or deciding against traveling altogether.

Interestingly, 45% of respondents would contemplate a road trip of two to six hours as an alternative to flying for Thanksgiving, with an additional 32% open to driving for longer journeys. Among those planning to drive, the survey revealed that 32% intend to leave the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, while 31% aim to depart on the day before the holiday, November 25.

Popular Destinations and Vehicle Choices

The most popular destinations for Thanksgiving travel, according to Hertz bookings, include:

• - Orlando
• - Phoenix
• - Las Vegas
• - Atlanta
• - Denver

Orlando remains the top choice for the second consecutive year, while cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas have seen promising increases in popularity compared to last year. In terms of vehicle preferences, small and standard SUVs are the vehicles in highest demand, with rentals that can accommodate seven or more travelers expected to be booked out quickly.

Christmas and New Year's Outlook

As for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year's holiday period, the survey shows that nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents planning to travel between December 20 and January 4 will be using vacation time, remote work, or a combination of both to extend their trips. Hertz anticipates that the busiest rental days during this season will be December 23, 24, and 26.

Top holiday destinations include:

• - Orlando
• - Los Angeles
• - Phoenix
• - Las Vegas
• - Oahu

Similar to Thanksgiving, demand for SUVs is high, and vehicles that can carry larger groups are expected to sell out first.

Saving on Holiday Travel

To help travelers navigate the rising costs of car rentals, Hertz has compiled some tips for maximizing savings during this busy period:

• - Book Ahead: With anticipated higher demand leading to increased rates, reserving a rental vehicle early can help ensure lower prices.
• - Pick Up Early: Travelers might find lower rates by picking up their vehicles the weekend before Thanksgiving, as rental prices typically spike closer to the holiday.
• - Compare Pickup Days: Exploring different pickup days can yield savings, as rates tend to be lower on Sundays to Tuesdays in November and December.
• - Seasonal Promotions: Hertz will also provide seasonal promotions, including a Cyber Sale featuring up to 30% off qualifying rentals starting November 20.

The findings from this survey, which combines Hertz’s internal booking data with a national survey of 1,000 adults, shed light on the changing landscape of holiday travel as families seek the best ways to enjoy their time together in a financially mindful manner.

For more information on rental solutions, visit Hertz’s website.