North Carolina Joins Florida, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and Others to Experience Year-End Travel Surge in US Tourism, with a Significant Hike in Flight and Hotel Charges: Everything You Need to Know

North Carolina joins Florida, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and other U.S. destinations in experiencing a year-end travel surge, with increased tourism and a significant hike in flight and hotel charges. As millions of travelers plan their holiday getaways, these states are expected to see record numbers of visitors, making for a bustling and vibrant season. With heightened demand, flight and hotel prices are rising, adding an extra layer of cost to the holiday travel experience. Travelers heading to North Carolina, alongside other popular destinations, should be prepared for not only the excitement of the season but also the financial impact of higher travel expenses. Planning ahead and booking early will be key to navigating these increases and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable holiday trip.

Record-Breaking Year-End Holiday Travel Projections

The year-end holiday travel period (December 20 – January 1) is expected to set a new record, with 122.4 million Americans projected to travel, reflecting a 2.2% increase compared to last year. The majority of travelers, 109.5 million, will choose road trips, making up 89% of all travelers. Air travel is forecasted to hit a new high with 8.03 million domestic travelers, while other modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises, will see a notable increase, with 4.9 million travelers.

Mode of Transportation	Projected Travelers (Millions)	% Increase over Last Year
Total Travelers	122.4	+2.2%
Auto Travelers (Road Trip)	109.5	+2%
Air Travelers (Domestic)	8.03	+2.3%
Other (Bus, Train, Cruise)	4.9	+9%

Florida Bound: Sunshine State Sees a Surge in Holiday Travel

Florida is set to experience a bustling holiday season with 6.5 million travelers expected. The state will see a 3.1% increase in traffic, with 5.8 million travelers hitting the road to explore its famous beaches, theme parks, and lively cities. Air travel is also soaring, with over 550,000 passengers flying in and out of Florida. An additional 175,000 will rely on buses, trains, and cruises. With its endless sunshine, major attractions like Disney World, and tropical getaway spots, Florida remains one of the top destinations for holiday travelers.

North Carolina on the Move: Holiday Travel Sees Steady Growth

North Carolina is preparing for a steady flow of holiday travelers, with 2.9 million expected to visit the state. This marks a 1.5% increase in travel compared to last year. Around 2.7 million will be hitting the highways for family gatherings and winter vacations. Air travel is also on the rise, with over 150,000 passengers flying into and out of North Carolina’s major airports. Whether visiting the coastal charm of Wilmington or the mountain beauty of Asheville, North Carolina offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and scenic escapes.

Tennessee on the Horizon: Holiday Travel Booms with Scenic Getaways

Tennessee is primed for a festive season, with 2.8 million travelers expected to visit. The state is experiencing a 2.2% increase in holiday traffic, with most of its visitors—2.6 million—choosing to drive. Air travel is up as well, with 76,613 passengers flying in and out of Tennessee. From Nashville’s lively music scene to the stunning views in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is the perfect blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure, making it a top choice for those looking to make the most of the holidays.

South Carolina Shines: Coastal Charm and Holiday Travels Lead the Way

South Carolina is set to welcome 1.85 million holiday travelers this season, reflecting a 2.4% increase over the previous year. A large portion—1.7 million—will travel by car, exploring the state’s historic cities, coastal towns, and renowned golf courses. Air travel is also rising, with 90,000 passengers expected to fly into the state. Whether visiting Charleston’s festive charm or heading to the beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers a cozy, scenic getaway, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday break.

Illinois Roads Bustling: A Rise in Holiday Travelers Hits Chicago and Beyond

Illinois is gearing up for a busy holiday season, with 4.2 million travelers expected to visit the state. This represents a 2.5% increase from last year. A large portion—3.8 million—will be taking road trips, with travelers heading to Chicago for its winter events or exploring the scenic countryside. Air travel is also increasing, with nearly 250,000 passengers expected to fly in and out of Illinois’ airports. Whether visiting the holiday lights in Chicago or enjoying the charm of the Great Lakes, Illinois will be a major hub for travelers this season.

Arizona Awaits: Warm Winter Weather and Scenic Routes Drive Holiday Traffic

Arizona is expecting 3.4 million travelers this holiday season, marking a 2.8% increase from last year. The majority—3.1 million—will be on the road, heading to Arizona’s national parks, desert landscapes, and vibrant cities. Air travel is also on the rise, with over 250,000 passengers expected to fly into Arizona. With the Grand Canyon’s stunning winter views and the allure of Sedona’s red rocks, Arizona is a prime destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in a warm, sunny environment.

Nevada Bound: Lights, Entertainment, and Desert Roads Drive Holiday Travel

Nevada is gearing up for a lively holiday season, with 2.5 million travelers expected. The state is seeing a 3.5% increase in traffic, with 2.3 million people choosing to drive. Air travel is also on the rise, with over 180,000 passengers flying in and out of Nevada. With the bright lights of Las Vegas, the beauty of Lake Tahoe, and the serene deserts, Nevada offers a dynamic mix of entertainment and natural wonders, making it a top destination for holiday travelers looking for both excitement and relaxation.

Average Holiday Travel Costs

As the holiday season approaches, travelers can expect a range of price changes across various travel categories. Domestic flights are seeing a 7% increase, with the average cost reaching $890. International flights, however, have decreased by 14%, with an average cost of $1,400. Domestic hotel stays are up by 13%, averaging $750, while rental car prices have only slightly increased by 1%, bringing the average to $635.

Category	Average Cost	Change from Last Year
Domestic Flights	$890	+7%
International Flights	$1,400	-14%
Domestic Hotel Stays	$750	+13%
Rental Cars	$635	+1%

North Carolina joins Florida, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and other U.S. destinations in experiencing a year-end travel surge, with increased tourism and a significant hike in flight and hotel charges.

Conclusion

North Carolina joins Florida, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee, and other U.S. destinations in experiencing a year-end travel surge, driven by increased tourism during the holiday season. However, this surge comes with a significant hike in flight and hotel charges, making it essential for travelers to plan ahead and manage their budgets effectively. As these states become key travel hotspots, understanding the rising costs and booking in advance will ensure a smoother and more affordable holiday experience.

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Despite Visa Hikes, Mexican Visitors Remain Loyal to US Travel, Get the Details Here

Amid the growing discontent with U.S. travel policy, a rather surprising development has come to light: Mexico is not taking part in the travel boycott against the United States, even with the travel challenges that exist. On the contrary, increased numbers of tourists from Mexico are traveling to the U.S. This is a welcome development, especially because the travel industry has experienced a considerable downturn in the past couple of years.

Although several countries have decided to look for alternative destinations owing to high visa fees, tougher regulations, and political issues, the consistent presence of tourists in Mexico shows how vital this sector is to the U.S. travel industry. This discussion intends to shed light on how the consistent stream of tourists from Mexico is helping the U.S. tourism industry.

The Surge in Mexican Tourists to the U.S. Amid Rising Barriers

According to estimates from the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), Mexican tourism to the United States has been on the rise despite the challenges posed by new U.S. government policies. In November 2025, Mexican tourist arrivals increased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, and by 2.1% year-to-date. This trend was mirrored in October, which also saw a slight increase in visitor numbers from Mexico, with a 0.7% growth in air travel to the U.S.

Despite the Trump administration’s controversial decisions to increase visa fees and implement more stringent entry requirements—such as in-person interviews for visa renewals—Mexican tourists have continued to flock to U.S. cities. Notably, the number of tourist visas issued to Mexicans has grown by 5.3% compared to last year, indicating strong demand for travel to the U.S. from the Mexican market.

Visa and Travel Cost Increases Yet Mexican Visitors Persist

One of the major hurdles that Mexican travelers have faced in recent years has been the significant increase in visa application fees. As of October 2025, the cost of a U.S. visitor visa rose from $185 to $435 due to the introduction of a new visa integrity fee. Furthermore, the cost of entry form tracking increased from $6 to $30. The new policies have also led to authorities scrutinizing applicants’ social media accounts to determine their stance on U.S. policies, particularly those critical of the Trump administration.

Despite these obstacles, Mexican travelers have continued to visit the U.S., and in large numbers. Angela Kocherga, a reporter for NPR, highlighted the persistence of Mexican tourists in the face of these challenges, noting that, despite rising costs, many still see the U.S. as a primary destination for shopping, entertainment, and tourism.

This continued influx of Mexican tourists represents a stark contrast to the trends seen in other parts of the world, where the U.S. has faced increasing resistance due to both political and logistical reasons.

The Economic Significance of Mexican Tourism to the U.S.

Mexican tourists are an integral part of the U.S. tourism economy, particularly in border states like Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. According to ITA data, in 2023, 14.5 million Mexican tourists visited the U.S., making Mexico the second-largest source of inbound tourism after Canada. This is significant because it underscores the reliance of U.S. tourism businesses—especially in the southern states—on Mexican visitors.

Shopping malls, restaurants, and hospitality businesses in border areas heavily depend on Mexican tourism. For example, Fine Slechta, the marketing director for the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso, reported that 65% of their weekend customers are Mexican citizens. Without these visitors, the local economy in border cities would face a severe downturn. This highlights how vital Mexican tourism is to sustaining U.S. businesses in these regions.

Despite the challenges and higher costs of travel, Mexican visitors continue to spend significantly in the U.S. The ITA reports that Mexico is the second-largest market for air passenger travel, with 3.2 million travelers flying to the U.S., representing a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year. This is a critical source of revenue for U.S. airlines and travel-related businesses, particularly in a year when the overall inbound tourism spending is expected to decline.

Challenges for the U.S. Travel Industry Amidst Declining Global Visitors

Although Mexican tourism is growing, the broader U.S. tourism sector continues to struggle, especially with the decline of international visitors from other parts of the world. According to the U.S. Travel Association, inbound travel spending is forecast to drop by 3.2% to $173 billion this year. This is in part due to the growing number of countries boycotting U.S. tourism due to the administration’s policies.

For instance, Canadian tourists—who are typically a significant source of revenue for U.S. destinations—have also been scaling back their visits. Data from Statistics Canada shows a 30.5% decline in Canadian car arrivals to the U.S. in October 2025 compared to the previous year. This decrease is a part of a broader trend of visitors choosing alternative destinations due to the cost and complexity of U.S. travel.

Additionally, the decrease in tourism from the U.K., a key source of international visitors, is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting a sharp decline in U.K. visitors to the U.S. in 2026. Similarly, Chinese tourism to the U.S. has fallen, with many Chinese citizens opting for visa-free travel to other countries instead.

Can Mexican Tourists Save the U.S. Travel Sector?

Despite the challenges posed by other international markets, Mexican tourists represent a silver lining for the U.S. travel industry. The influx of Mexican visitors is helping offset the declines from other countries. However, their lower average spend per visit is a limiting factor. According to Visit California, while Mexican visitors are expected to increase by 5.9%, their economic impact is limited due to a lower average spend of approximately $986 per visit.

Given this, the U.S. tourism industry faces a tough road ahead. While the growth in Mexican visitors is a positive sign, it may not be enough to fully recover from the losses experienced in other international markets. As the U.S. government faces increasing criticism for its immigration and visa policies, the challenge remains to attract more visitors from key markets such as Europe, Asia, and Canada.

The Resilience of Mexican Tourism in the U.S.

Although there are challenges that the travel industry in the U.S. is experiencing as a result of the travel boycott and rising costs, the travel industry in Mexico is one of the contributors to growth in the U.S. travel industry. Although there has been a rise in the cost of visas, stricter regulations, as well as political tension, tourists from Mexico continue to make the U.S. a major travel destination. In order for this to continue, there are factors that the U.S. needs to address.

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