Busiest Travel Day This Holiday Season

As the holiday season kicks off, recent findings from Talker Research and IHG Hotels & Resorts reveal a few key trends for this year’s holiday travel. The busiest travel days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day are expected to be December 23 and December 31, with thousands of travelers opting to return home just after January 2, 2025. 

Families and solo travelers are preparing to take advantage of their time off, with Florida, New York, and various metropolitan cities anticipated as the top holiday destinations. Data shows that many travelers began planning their excursions as early as June, largely due to the rising costs of flights and accommodations. 

Those who planned early aimed to secure better deals on tickets and accommodations, which have seen price hikes this year due to increased demand. Those who haven't planned their trips yet can expect limited availability, higher prices, and the likelihood of crowded transportation hubs.

What Travelers Can Expect on December 23

Travelers heading out on December 23 should be prepared for particularly crowded conditions at airports, highways, and other transportation networks. According to the survey, family visits remain the top motivation for holiday travel, with 78% of travelers intending to spend their holidays with loved ones. However, the rising travel costs and the inevitable congestion at transportation hubs have many travelers worried about delays and long waiting times.