Hotwire.com’s third annual American Travel Behavior Survey, conducted in October among more than 2,000 U.S. adults, finds that Americans will spend an estimated $72 billion on essential holiday travel this season — roughly $14 billion for Thanksgiving and $58 billion for Christmas.
In conjunction with the survey, Hotwire published a State of Holiday Travel Report that highlights current travel trends and offers practical tips for finding better prices on holiday bookings. The data show that urban destinations such as Chicago rank among the best hotel deals for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, while popular beach destinations like Cancun and Fort Lauderdale are offering notable airfare discounts.
Comparing prices to the previous year, the report shows modest increases across lodging, air, and car rentals. For Thanksgiving travel versus 2012, hotel rates have risen about 3 percent, average airfares in the top 20 markets are up approximately 8 percent, and car rental prices have increased by roughly 7 percent. For the Christmas season versus last year, hotels are about 4 percent more expensive, airfares have climbed near 6 percent, and car rental rates are roughly 4 percent higher.
These shifts reflect steady demand for holiday travel combined with seasonal capacity and pricing dynamics. Travelers looking to save may benefit from booking early, staying flexible with travel dates, considering alternative airports or nearby cities, and comparing bundled offers that combine flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Hotwire’s findings underscore the ongoing popularity of holiday travel and the importance of shopping smart to manage costs while preserving travel plans and seasonal traditions.
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