Updated Score survey reveals how much Americans plan to travel for holidays in 2025, with driving increasingly preferred over flying: New report you need to know

Posted on October 28, 2025

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, a recent study by… Upgraded points It revealed valuable insights into American travelers’ vacation plans. With more than 2,300 American adults surveyed, the study explores travel distances, preferred modes of transportation, financial constraints, and personal motivations that influence vacation travel. The results highlight how to combine Budget considerations, Family obligationsand Work obligations Shaping how, when and where people travel between Thanksgiving Day and New Year.

The results also show that while Home for the holidays It remains a tradition for many, with a large number of Americans opting for longer trips, especially around Christmaswith some states seeing more vacation travelers than others. Travelers face logistical obstacles, such as high travel costs and crowded airports, which has affected their travel choices. Driving or Flying.

This survey provides a snapshot of evolving travel habits and the challenges Americans face as they balance family traditions, the cost of travel, and the desire to reconnect with loved ones during the holiday season.

Key findings from Upgrade Points’ 2025 Vacation Travel Survey:

• Travel destinations: A large portion of travelers will travel interstate, with many choosing to travel more than 50 miles Thanksgiving Day And longer trips for Christmas.
• Travel methods: 74% of Americans Plan to avoid flying, with 26% chose to fly At least once. 14% of travelers I will drive specifically to avoid the stress of airports.
• Budget constraints: 21% of respondents You will skip vacation travel due to high costs, and 20% They cut back on gifts to cover the costs of trips.
• Family and work obligations: 44% of Americans feel obligated to travel, while… 42% It is preferable to take a vacation instead of visiting family. 12% Cite work responsibilities as a reason to stay home.

Which US states have the largest number of vacation travelers?

According to the survey, Ohio Leading the pack with 62% of the population Planning to travel for the holidays, followed Connecticut in 58%and Texas in 56.1%. Other states with high rates of travel include: yeah, Washingtonand VirginiaWith at least 54% of the population planning to hit the road or hop on a plane for vacation. These trends reflect regional shifts in travel patterns and a growing desire for more flexible travel options.

On the other hand, Nevada It has the highest percentage of residents staying home during the holidays, with 72.7% Choose a quieter season. Other states with a high propensity to stay home include: Utah, Hawaiiand Michiganwhere more than 65% of participants plan to skip travel for the holidays.

How far will Americans travel for vacations in 2025?

The poll reveals that many Americans are preparing for long trips. Colorado Residents top the list for long-distance travellers, with 24.5% Travel planning 500 miles or more. Other states with large shares of long-distance travelers include: Arizona (20.8%), Missouri (19.2%), and Massachusetts (18.0%). These long trips often come with significant time commitments 20% of travelers in these areas expect to spend 10 hours or more On their way to their holiday destinations.

This shift toward longer-distance travel underscores the growing trend of Americans venturing further to celebrate the holidays, reflecting the importance of family and shared traditions despite the costs and time involved.

The Shift to Driving Instead of Flying: Why Americans Are Avoiding Airports

with 74% of survey participants Which suggests they won’t be flying this holiday season, obviously Driving It became the preferred means of transportation. Many travelers cite Airport stress, Delayand the general inconvenience of flying as reasons to choose road trips instead. The fear of long queues at security checkpoints and the high cost of airline tickets are major obstacles, making air travel difficult car It is an increasingly popular option, especially for those planning shorter trips.

Interestingly, 14% of Americans The company specifically plans long-distance driving to avoid airport hassles, reflecting a growing desire for more control over the travel experience. On the other hand, 26% of Americans He will still choose to travel by plane at least once, often for longer trips or to destinations that are difficult to reach by car.

Cost-Effective Travel: Budgeting for Vacations

High travel costs are one of the biggest barriers to holiday travel this year. The survey indicates this 21% of Americans are choosing to skip travel altogether due to cost, instead 20% They’re paring down gifts to make travel more affordable for everyone. almost 30% of participants expect to spend $1000 or more On travel expenses, which include airline tickets, hotels and other associated costs.

In response to these financial constraints, many Americans are adjusting their travel plans to fit their budgets. Some choose shorter flights, while others explore alternatives to air travel to save money. This shift in priorities indicates that travelers are becoming more aware of the financial impact of the holiday season and are making efforts to balance family traditions with financial reality.

Family vs. vacation: What drives vacation travel decisions

The survey reveals a divide in holiday travel motivations. 44% of Americans say they feel forced to return home for the holidays, where family obligations often take precedence over personal preferences. but, 42% Participants indicate that they would rather take a vacation than visit family, showing an increasing preference for relaxation or exploration rather than traditional family gatherings.

This dichotomy highlights how Americans deal with the tension between family expectations and personal desires during the holidays. like Work obligations also play a role, 12% of Americans will remain home due to their job responsibilities, further complicating the decision to travel.

Conclusion: Traveling for holidays in 2025 – strike a balance between tradition and practicality

The findings from the Upgraded Points study reveal this Vacation travel 2025 is as much about logistics as it is about emotion. As Americans navigate the financial, personal, and emotional aspects of travel, many are choosing more accessible trips to maintain family traditions while avoiding the stress and costs associated with the busy holiday season. Thanks to flexible travel options, better planning, and smart budgeting, this year’s holiday travel season is shaping up to be a mix of old traditions and new adaptations.