- Home for the holidays remains the norm, with 56% of Americans typically celebrating at home, but Christmas prompts longer trips than Thanksgiving.
- Cost is a major deterrent, with 21% of travelers opting to skip trips entirely due to budgetary concerns, and nearly 30% expecting to spend $1,000 or more.
- 74% of travelers will not fly, and 14% are choosing long drives to avoid airport stress.
- Colorado residents are the most likely to take long-distance trips (500+ miles), while residents of Nevada and Utah are most likely to stay home.
Upgraded Points conducted a survey of over 2,300 US adults regarding their travel intentions between Thanksgiving and New Year’s 2025, revealing how various factors are shaping holiday plans. The study found that celebrating at home remains the preference for the majority of Americans (56%), though travel patterns vary by holiday, with Christmas prompting longer trips than Thanksgiving.
The findings highlight that financial and logistical challenges are significantly influencing decisions. Nearly a quarter of respondents (21%) reported skipping travel entirely due to cost, while approximately 20% plan to reduce gift spending to afford their trips. Overall, about three in ten travelers anticipate spending $1,000 or more on holiday travel expenses.
Regarding transportation, 74% of Americans will not fly, and 14% are choosing long-distance drives specifically to avoid the stress associated with airports. Colorado residents report the highest share of long-distance travel, with 24.5% planning trips of 500 miles or more. Conversely, residents of states like Nevada and Utah are the most likely to remain home for the holidays. Personal reasons also play a role, as 44% of respondents feel obligated to travel, while 42% would rather take a vacation than visit family, underscoring the balance between emotional tradition and logistical reality during the holiday season.