#United States #Austin #U.S. #holiday travel #Upgraded Points

Recent Insights into Americans' Travel Plans for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many Americans find themselves weighing their travel options between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. A recent survey conducted by Upgraded Points, featuring over 2,300 U.S. adults, sheds light on key patterns, preferences, and challenges that influence holiday travel decisions.

Survey Findings: Travel Habits and Choices

The survey, executed in September 2025, examines how far Americans plan to travel during the holidays, the flexibility of their plans, and the motivations behind their travel decisions. Here are key takeaways from the survey:

• - Travel Trends: While the majority (56%) prefer to celebrate at home during the holidays, a significant percentage (34%) choose to visit others, and a small fraction (9%) venture to vacation spots.
• - Travel Distance: Patterns differ between holidays; Thanksgiving travel tends to be shorter, with only 28% traveling over 50 miles, whereas Christmas sees 34% going beyond that distance, with 10% embarking on journeys exceeding 500 miles.
• - State-Centric Insights: Ohio ranks as the state with the most holiday travelers, with 62% of its residents planning to travel. Connecticut (58%) and Texas (56.1%) follow closely. Conversely, Nevada sees 72.7% of residents opting to stay home, indicating regional variances in travel preferences.

Challenges Faced by Travelers

Budget constraints and work commitments significantly affect travel habits this holiday season. The data suggests:

• - Avoiding Airports: A whopping 74% of respondents indicated they would not fly, with 26% planning at least one flight. This inclination to avoid airports stems from a collective desire to reduce travel stress.
• - Financial Impacts: Travel budgets are tightening; 21% are canceling trips due to costs, while others are cutting back on gifts to manage travel expenses. About 30% expect to spend $1,000 or more on holiday travel, signifying that managing finances remains a pivotal concern.
• - Family Dynamics: Tensions arise in travel preferences; 44% feel compelled to travel for family gatherings, whereas 42% would favor a vacation without familial ties. For some (12%), work duties prevent them from embarking on holiday journeys.

The Long-Distance Travelers

Interestingly, certain states exhibit higher probabilities of long-distance travel. Colorado stands out as the leading state for holiday trips over 500 miles, with 24.5% of its residents making such plans. Arizona (20.8%) and Missouri (19.2%) also showcase significant long-distance travel intentions, followed by Massachusetts and New Mexico.

Conclusion: Navigating Holiday Travel

With the season of joy approaching, navigating the complexities of holiday travel can be daunting. Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, notes that balancing logistical challenges with emotional connections is vital for a fulfilling holiday experience. As families and individuals determine their travel routes and budget constraints, having a well-informed plan can transform holiday travel from a stressful ordeal into a joyful occasion.

To delve deeper into the findings and access helpful travel maps, you can visit Upgraded Points’ full study on their website. With careful planning, travelers can ensure their holiday season remains merry and bright, regardless of where they choose to celebrate.

About Upgraded Points

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of travel and credit card usage. Through rigorous research and analysis, the organization empowers travelers to maximize their experiences and rewards, making it a crucial resource for anyone looking to travel smarter. For more information, please visit UpgradedPoints.com.