With the onset of the winter holidays, the American people have already started preparing for a major travel rush. An insightful survey conducted by Upgraded Points has shed light on important trends in holiday travel patterns, covering aspects such as travel distance, transport, and funds allocation for the upcoming 2025 holidays. The results highlight that the scenario of dividing family commitments as well as keeping up with the holiday fun and the high costs of travelling is not easy, but at the same time, people are more likely to visit their friends and relatives who live far away or see new places during the festive season.

The survey, which involved over 2,300 U.S. adults, sheds light on travel preferences, particularly how long-distance travel continues to be a significant feature of holiday seasons, and how cost and logistics are shaping where and how Americans choose to travel.

Holiday Travel Patterns: Who’s Traveling and Where Are They Going?

Home for the holidays remains a strong tradition for most Americans. According to the survey, 56% of respondents typically celebrate the holidays at home, while 34% travel to someone else’s house, and just 9% opt for a vacation getaway. However, the survey also highlights that travel distances vary significantly between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For Thanksgiving, 28% of travellers journey more than 50 miles, while Christmas sees even more extensive travel, with 34% travelling 50+ miles and 10% covering distances of 500 miles or more. The survey reveals a clear shift in travel behaviours for Christmas, with more people willing to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to celebrate with family or take a break from the traditional holiday routine.

Top U.S. States for Holiday Travel

The survey also identifies which states are seeing the highest volumes of holiday travel. The states with the most holiday travelers include Ohio, Connecticut, and Texas, with 62%, 58%, and 56% of residents, respectively, planning to travel. These states are leading the charge in travel, with residents willing to cover longer distances and experience more dynamic travel routes.

On the other hand, states like Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii show the highest rates of residents staying home for the holidays, with 72.7%, 71.2%, and 68.1% of their populations opting for a more relaxed holiday season. These trends reflect the diverse travel preferences across the country, with some states prioritizing family visits and others choosing to avoid the stress of long-distance travel during the busy holiday season.

Long-Distance Travel: Where Are Americans Traveling the Furthest?

While short-distance travel is still popular, long-haul trips are gaining ground, particularly for those making cross-country journeys or visiting family from afar. The survey highlights Colorado as the top state for long-distance holiday travel, with 24.5% of residents planning to travel 500 miles or more for the holidays. Other states like Arizona, Missouri, and Massachusetts follow closely behind, with significant portions of their populations setting out on epic journeys of over 500 miles.

This shift toward long-distance travel suggests that many Americans are prioritizing holiday experiences that involve extended family visits or vacation destinations far from home. Air travel is expected to be the main mode of transport for many, but there’s also a growing trend of road trips for those seeking to avoid the stress of airports.

Air Travel Challenges and the Rising Cost of Holidays

As in past years, air travel remains the primary mode of transport for many holiday travelers. However, the survey shows that 74% of respondents will not fly at all, with many choosing to drive instead. The cost of flights, airport delays, and increased security measures are just some of the reasons why travelers are opting for alternative modes of transport.

For those who do plan to fly, budget constraints are playing a significant role in decision-making. With 21% of travelers deciding to skip travel altogether due to cost concerns, and 20% cutting back on gift spending to afford their trips, the financial implications of holiday travel are more significant than ever. This highlights the importance of affordable travel options and the need for cost-effective solutions in the holiday travel market.

The Impact of Work and Family Obligations on Travel

Family commitments and work schedules also influence travel decisions. 44% of travelers feel obligated to visit family, while 42% prefer to take a vacation rather than spend the holidays with relatives. Meanwhile, 12% cite work commitments as the reason they’ll stay home this holiday season. These dynamics show how personal preferences and external factors can significantly impact where and how people travel during the holidays.

Planning for Smarter, More Enjoyable Holiday Travel

The findings from the Upgraded Points survey underscore the complexities of holiday travel in 2025, as Americans balance long distances, family expectations, and budget constraints. With rising costs, flight cancellations, and logistical challenges, travelers are increasingly looking for ways to make their trips more efficient and cost-effective. The key to enjoying a stress-free holiday season may lie in better planning, choosing the right travel days, and considering alternatives to traditional air travel.

The shifts in holiday travel patterns will, through the knowledge of these trends, still assist travellers in deciding the best time, place, and manner for celebrating their holiday season. It doesn’t matter if one is taking a flight, driving, or staying home; timely arrangements would really be the factor to ensure the holidays are memorable for the right reasons.

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