AUSTIN (KXAN) — A record number of Texans are preparing to take some planes, trains and automobiles this Thanksgiving, according to new data from AAA Texas released Monday.
AAA Texas' Thanksgiving forecast is anticipating 5.7 million residents will travel 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate the November holiday, representing a 1.3% increase in travelers compared to last year's figures. AAA Texas' estimates are based on expected travelers from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday afterwards.
When compared to pre-pandemic figures five years ago, this November's estimate represents a 2.4% increase in travelers. AAA Texas projected 5.6 million Texans traveled more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving back in November 2019.
Texas' expected travel numbers mirror national projects, where AAA is forecasting an estimated 79.86 million travelers — up from 78.1 million in 2023 and 77.8 million in 2019.
“Travel volumes for major holidays this year have consistently surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and the Thanksgiving holiday will be no exception,” AAA Texas Vice President and General Manager Galen Grillo said in the release. “This trend highlights growing consumer confidence to travel as families and friends jump on the opportunity to reconnect, whether through shared vacations or trips to visit loved ones.”
Nationally, driving is by far the most popular travel mode, with 71.74 million estimated to drive, 5.84 million flying and 2.28 million utilizing some other form of transit.
The bulk of Texans will travel by car, with an estimated 5.3 million hitting the roads next week. When looking at gas prices, this season's costs are the lowest on average since the thick of the pandemic, back in November 2020. The statewide average for regular, unleaded fuel is approximately $2.65 a gallon, per AAA Texas' report.
Approximately 315,000 Texans are expected to fly, while 129,000 are forecasted to take some other mode of transit, such as buses or rail.
AAA Texas' analysis found popular holiday weekend destinations in the Lone Star State included San Antonio, Austin and the Hill Country. Other metropolitan areas, including Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, were also flagged.
For those taking a cruise out of Texas this Thanksgiving, experts said the Caribbean remained the most popular destination site, while Orlando took the helm as the most popular domestic air travel destination and Rome, Italy claimed the top international spot.
