Tennesseans Planning Holiday Travel Earlier This Year

Tennesseans are getting an early start on their holiday travel plans this year, according to new survey data from AAA. More than half of residents (54%) plan to take at least one overnight trip during the 2025 holiday season, with 73% traveling for Christmas, 63% for Thanksgiving, and 46% for New Year’s Eve. Over a quarter (28%) say they will take more holiday vacations than last year, while nearly half (45%) plan the same number of trips as in 2024. For Thanksgiving travel, 64% of Tennesseans had finalized plans by the end of September, and by the end of October, 91% of trips are expected to be set. Only 6% plan to wait until November to finalize plans. Peak travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, and AAA recommends flying the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving and returning Saturday to avoid crowds and gain more flight options. Christmas travelers are finalizing plans mainly in October and November, with only 6% waiting until December. Most aim to arrive by Christmas Eve, and with Christmas Day falling on a Thursday, airport congestion is expected both the weekend before and earlier that week. AAA advises travelers to book early to secure nonstop flights, choose morning departures to reduce the risk of delays, allow extra time between connecting flights, compare airlines and dates for better deals, and use travel rewards to offset peak-season costs. Winter weather can also disrupt plans, but many Tennesseans remain unaware of travel insurance benefits, with only 29% feeling well-informed and 21% having little or no awareness. AAA encourages travelers to consider insurance as a safeguard for unexpected delays and cancellations. AAA will release its Thanksgiving Travel Forecast in early November.