USA Stunning 2025 Holiday Travel Survey: How Americans Are Navigating Family Expectations, Costs, and Long-Distance Trips for Thanksgiving and Christmas

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, a recent survey conducted by Upgraded Points has revealed valuable insights into American travelers’ plans for the holidays. With more than 2,300 U.S. adults surveyed, the study explores travel distances, preferred transportation modes, financial constraints, and personal motivations influencing holiday travel. The results highlight how a combination of budget considerations, family obligations, and work commitments are shaping how, when, and where people travel between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

The findings also show that while home for the holidays remains a tradition for many, a significant number of Americans are opting for long-haul trips, especially around Christmas, with certain states seeing more holiday travelers than others. Travelers are navigating logistical hurdles, such as high travel costs and busy airports, which has influenced their choices for driving or flying.

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

Key Findings from Upgraded Points’ 2025 Holiday Travel Survey:

• Travel Destinations: A significant portion of travelers will journey across states, with many opting to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving and longer trips for Christmas.
• Modes of Travel: 74% of Americans plan to avoid flying, with 26% opting to fly at least once. 14% of travelers will drive specifically to avoid the stress of airports.
• Budget Constraints: 21% of respondents will skip holiday travel due to high costs, and 20% are cutting down on gifts to afford trips.
• Family and Work Commitments: 44% of Americans feel obligated to travel, while 42% prefer taking a vacation instead of visiting family. 12% cite work responsibilities as a reason to stay home.

Which U.S. States Have the Most Holiday Travelers?

According to the survey, Ohio leads the pack with 62% of residents planning to travel for the holidays, followed by Connecticut at 58%, and Texas at 56.1%. Other states with high travel rates include Iowa, Washington, and Virginia, all with at least 54% of residents planning to hit the road or board a plane for the holidays. These trends reflect regional shifts in travel patterns and the growing desire for more flexible travel options.

On the flip side, Nevada has the highest percentage of residents staying home during the holidays, with 72.7% opting for a quieter season. Other states with a higher tendency to stay home include Utah, Hawaii, and Michigan, where over 65% of respondents plan to skip holiday travel.

How Far Will Americans Travel for the Holidays in 2025?

The survey reveals that many Americans are preparing for long journeys. Colorado residents top the list of long-distance travelers, with 24.5% planning to travel 500 miles or more. Other states with significant shares of long-distance travelers include Arizona (20.8%), Missouri (19.2%), and Massachusetts (18.0%). These long-haul trips often come with substantial time commitments, as 20% of travelers in these regions expect to spend 10 hours or more en route to their holiday destinations.

This shift towards longer travel distances underscores the growing trend of Americans venturing farther to celebrate the holidays, reflecting the importance of family and shared traditions despite the costs and time involved.

A Shift Towards Driving Over Flying: Why Americans Are Avoiding Airports

With 74% of survey participants indicating they will not be flying this holiday season, it’s clear that driving is becoming the preferred mode of transportation. Many travelers cite airport stress, delays, and the overall inconvenience of flying as reasons to opt for road trips instead. The fear of long lines at security checkpoints and the rising costs of airfares are major deterrents, making the car an increasingly popular choice, particularly for those planning shorter trips.

Interestingly, 14% of Americans specifically plan to drive long distances to avoid airport hassle, reflecting a growing desire for more control over the travel experience. On the other hand, 26% of Americans will still choose to fly at least once, often for longer trips or for destinations that are impractical to reach by car.

Cost-Effective Travel: Budgeting for the Holidays

High travel costs are one of the most significant barriers to holiday travel this year. The survey indicates that 21% of Americans are choosing to skip travel altogether because of the cost, while 20% are cutting down on gifts to make travel more affordable. Nearly 30% of respondents expect to spend $1,000 or more on travel expenses, which includes airfare, hotels, and other associated costs.

In response to these financial constraints, many Americans are adjusting their travel plans to fit within their budgets. Some are opting for shorter trips, while others are exploring alternatives to air travel to save money. This shift in priorities suggests that travelers are becoming more conscious of the financial impact of the holiday season and are making efforts to balance family traditions with financial realities.

Family vs. Vacation: What’s Driving Holiday Travel Decisions

The survey reveals a divide in holiday travel motivations. 44% of Americans say they feel obligated to travel home for the holidays, with family obligations often taking precedence over personal preferences. However, 42% of respondents indicate they would rather take a vacation instead of visiting family, showing a growing preference for relaxation or exploration rather than traditional family gatherings.

This split highlights how Americans are navigating the tension between family expectations and personal desires during the holidays. As work commitments also play a role, 12% of Americans will stay home due to their job responsibilities, further complicating the decision to travel.

Conclusion: Holiday Travel in 2025 – The Balancing Act Between Tradition and Practicality

The findings from Upgraded Points’ survey reveal that holiday travel in 2025 is as much about logistics as it is about emotion. As Americans juggle the financial, personal, and emotional aspects of travel, many are opting for more manageable trips to preserve family traditions while avoiding the stress and costs associated with the busy holiday season. With 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.

The post USA Stunning 2025 Holiday Travel Survey: How Americans Are Navigating Family Expectations, Costs, and Long-Distance Trips for Thanksgiving and Christmas appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Agoda and Busan City Sign Landmark MOU to Drive Tourism Growth, Positioning Busan as a Leading International Destination

In an exciting development for South Korea’s tourism industry, Agoda, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has officially partnered with Busan City to promote tourism and elevate the city’s international appeal. The two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on October 28, 2025, marks a groundbreaking collaboration between the global travel platform and a local government in South Korea. Agoda’s partnership with Busan will leverage the platform’s advanced media solutions and its global reach to position Busan as an even more attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is already a popular tourist hotspot, known for its beautiful beaches, unique cultural landmarks, and vibrant festivals. With this new strategic partnership, Agoda and Busan City plan to enhance the city’s tourism offerings by promoting its distinctive attractions and diverse experiences. From the world-famous beaches of Haeundae and Gwangalli to cultural treasures like Jagalchi Market and Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan has a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered by international travelers.

The partnership will focus on promoting Busan’s tourism assets through digital campaigns, online content, and events. It will also aim to increase international visibility and attract tourists not only from Asia but also from other parts of the world. With Agoda’s expertise in global travel and its robust marketing capabilities, this collaboration promises to create significant growth in tourism and contribute to the city’s economic and cultural development.

Key Features of the Agoda-Busan City Partnership

• MOU Agreement: The strategic two-year partnership between Agoda and Busan City will focus on stimulating tourism through collaborative efforts in marketing, media campaigns, and tourism-related initiatives.
• Promoting Busan’s Unique Attractions: By using Agoda’s global platform, the city’s cultural and natural attractions will gain global recognition. Key highlights include Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and the iconic Busan International Film Festival.
• Online Content Competition: To engage travelers, the collaboration includes a competition to create compelling online content that showcases Busan’s tourism attractions, increasing awareness and engagement from potential tourists globally.
• Agoda’s Global Reach: With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities globally, Agoda offers a seamless travel experience, combining booking flexibility with global visibility.
• Local Gastronomy: Busan is fast becoming a culinary destination with a growing reputation for its local food scene, including Michelin Guide selections and popular dishes like pork soup, fish cakes, mil-myeon (wheat noodles), and ssi-at hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Why Busan is a Rising Global Destination

Busan, often considered the gateway to South Korea’s maritime culture, has long attracted travelers seeking both natural beauty and modern experiences. The city’s vibrant beaches, cultural landmarks, and festivals make it a year-round destination for tourists. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Haeundae Beach: A world-famous beach destination known for its crystal-clear waters and a hub for water sports like surfing and yachting.
• Gwangalli Beach: A scenic spot that offers stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge, especially during the Busan Fireworks Festival.
• Jagalchi Market: A bustling fish market offering fresh seafood and an authentic glimpse into local life.
• Gamcheon Culture Village: Known for its colorful, art-filled streets, this picturesque village has become a must-visit destination for its vibrant street art and charming atmosphere.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A serene coastal temple offering breathtaking views of the ocean, it is a perfect example of Korea’s historical and spiritual culture.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Busan is rapidly becoming a food lover’s paradise, featuring local favorites such as fish cakes, pork soup, and mil-myeon, alongside a burgeoning Michelin Guide selection. These culinary experiences offer visitors a deeper connection to the local culture and cuisine, further positioning Busan as a must-visit global destination.

The Role of Agoda’s Media Solutions in Promoting Busan

Through this collaboration, Agoda’s media solutions will play a key role in promoting Busan’s tourism to the global market. By leveraging Agoda’s digital tools and insights, Busan City will be able to reach targeted audiences through effective marketing campaigns. These initiatives will feature engaging content, special offers, and travel tips that will help potential travelers discover and explore Busan more easily.

With its expertise in digital marketing and a global network of travelers, Agoda aims to position Busan as not just a popular domestic destination but as an international travel hotspot. This partnership is expected to bring increased global traffic, higher booking rates, and more tourism-related activities to the city, helping to boost its international profile.

The Future of Busan’s Tourism Growth

This partnership between Agoda and Busan City represents a forward-thinking approach to tourism growth. With Agoda’s vast international network and Busan’s unique cultural offerings, the collaboration is poised to create synergistic growth for the city’s tourism industry. The MOU is a clear indication of the growing importance of digital travel platforms in shaping the future of global tourism, and the Agoda-Busan partnership will likely serve as a model for similar initiatives in other cities worldwide.

As more international travelers seek meaningful travel experiences, Busan stands out as an ideal destination to offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant local life. This strategic partnership will help the city tap into new and emerging markets, creating a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists globally.

Conclusion: A New Era for Busan’s Global Tourism

In conclusion, the strategic partnership between Agoda and Busan City marks a major step forward in positioning Busan as a global tourism destination. By leveraging Agoda’s advanced marketing insights and the city’s unique attractions, this partnership aims to increase international awareness, enhance the tourism experience, and contribute to the city’s long-term growth in the competitive global tourism market.

Through effective use of digital marketing and collaboration with local businesses, Busan will be able to offer visitors an enriched and seamless travel experience, all while supporting its growing reputation as an exciting destination for global travelers.

The post Agoda and Busan City Sign Landmark MOU to Drive Tourism Growth, Positioning Busan as a Leading International Destination appeared first on Travel And Tour World.