Rising prices are changing how Americans think about the holidays. New survey data suggests that holiday travel plans are shrinking, with more people choosing to stay close to home or skip paid accommodation altogether. Here is what the numbers show and what they mean if you are still deciding what to do this winter.
What the surveys found
According to a NerdWallet report dated October 13, as cited in travel coverage, the share of U.S. adults planning holiday travel is expected to slip from 45% last year to 42% this year. The same coverage said 31% of surveyed adults plan to bypass paid accommodations between Thanksgiving and Christmas, for example by staying with family or friends.
A separate set of PwC data, reported in the same coverage, showed participation in winter holiday travel falling from 44% to 40%, with average spending down 24% to $419. These figures were reported second-hand, so it is worth checking the original reports for exact details.
Why people are staying closer to home
The most obvious reason is cost. Hopper has projected that this will be the most expensive holiday travel season in a decade, with the average Thanksgiving flight at about $402 and the average Christmas flight at about $452. When airfares jump that much, a long trip becomes a harder choice.
TravelPulse reports that the season is something of a mixed bag, with many travelers choosing destinations nearer to home, citing a report from HomeToGo. Drive-to trips, visits to relatives and short getaways are taking the place of long-haul vacations for some households.
A trend beyond the holidays
The shift is not limited to the United States. In the United Kingdom, the travel association ABTA has pointed to “Super September” as one of the strongest shifts in seasonal demand, as more people travel outside the traditional peak of summer. A tour operator, Scott Dunn, noted that a two-week October half-term has created a second family peak.
The common thread is flexibility. Travelers are moving dates, choosing quieter periods and looking for value rather than following the traditional calendar.
How to travel smarter this winter
- Look at the shoulder days. Leaving a day earlier or returning a day later can lower the cost of both flights and hotels.
- Consider alternatives to hotels. Home rentals, family stays or a mix of both can reduce the budget.
- Plan a shorter trip. A long weekend nearby can feel like a real break at a fraction of the price.
- Set a budget first. Decide what you can spend before searching, so high prices do not push you into overspending.
The bottom line
The data suggests that holiday travel plans are being reshaped by cost, not by a lack of desire to travel. People still want time with family and a break from routine, but they are more selective about where, when and how. If you are one of them, flexibility and early planning will likely save you the most.
Survey figures come from press reports of NerdWallet and PwC data and may differ from the original publications.
