A record number of Floridians are set to hit the road this Thanksgiving, according to AAA, with travel numbers expected to surpass all previous years. Over 4.5 million Floridians are projected to travel 50 miles or more this holiday season, marking an all-time high. This represents an increase of nearly 112,000 travelers compared to last year.
On a national level, Thanksgiving travel is also breaking records, with nearly 80 million Americans expected to travel—1.7 million more than in 2023 and 2 million more than in 2019. AAA attributes this surge to economic growth, easing inflation, and rising incomes, which have encouraged more people to plan trips this year.
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“We expect to see record travel numbers across the board,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “With more people traveling by car, plane, train, and ship, travelers should prepare for crowded roads and longer wait times at transportation hubs.”
How Floridians Are Traveling This Thanksgiving
- By car: 4.1 million (up from 4 million in 2023)
- By air: 289,168 (up from 284,411 in 2023)
- By other modes (buses, cruises, trains): 82,343 (up from 76,505 in 2023)
Automobile travel is set to break records despite Florida’s gas prices remaining steady compared to last year. Nationally, air travel is also expected to hit new highs, with 5.84 million Americans flying domestically.
Top Thanksgiving Destinations
Warm-weather destinations top the list this year, with Florida cities like Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale ranking among the favorites. Other popular spots include Honolulu, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, California.
Holiday Travel Period and Tips
The official Thanksgiving travel window spans from Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2. AAA advises travelers to plan ahead:
- For flyers: Check in early, book direct flights to minimize delays, and allow extra time at the airport.
- For drivers: Hit the road early to avoid congestion and ensure enough time to reach your destination.
With record-breaking travel numbers, a bit of preparation can help make your Thanksgiving journey smoother and more enjoyable.
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun 
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