With Thanksgiving just days away AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more to their destination. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.
AAA says Iowa residents are part of 6.5 million people from across the region who are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. “Iowans and Nebraskans are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” says Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones.”
AAA says 5.8 million people will drive to their destination, nearly 306,000 people in the seven state region will be flying over Thanksgiving and another 345,000 will travel by bus, train or cruise ship. AAA says that’s a 12 percent increase over last year.
Florida and California are the top domestic Thanksgiving destinations. The Thanksgiving holiday period runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. Click here for more details.