AAA is forecasting a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period in Georgia, with more than 2.3 million residents expected to journey at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1.
The estimate marks a 1.4% increase over last year and sets a new state record for Thanksgiving travel. Nationwide, AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel for the holiday—up 1.6 million from 2024—solidifying Thanksgiving as the busiest travel holiday of the year.
“Georgians are gearing up for the season with robust travel plans,” said Garrett Townsend, Director of Public Affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s cruising up to the mountains or flying across the country, folks are prioritizing time with loved ones.”
Driving Still Dominates Holiday Travel
Nearly 2.2 million Georgians are expected to drive, part of the nearly 73 million Americans who will travel by car this Thanksgiving. AAA notes that number could climb even higher if travelers wary of flight delays decide to stay on the roads instead.
Rental car demand remains strong, particularly in Orlando and Miami—two of the busiest markets in the country. However, rates are down 15% from last year.
Drivers can expect gas prices close to last Thanksgiving’s statewide average of $2.91 per gallon. AAA is urging motorists to prepare their vehicles ahead of time; last year, the agency responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide.
AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are also reminding travelers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
Air Travel Up Slightly Despite Flight Concerns
More than 152,000 Georgians are expected to fly this Thanksgiving. Nationally, air travel is projected to rise 2% to nearly 6 million passengers.
Domestic airfare is averaging about $700 round-trip—similar to last year. While flying on Thanksgiving Day can lead to savings, flights on Sunday and Monday remain the most expensive.
“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Other Modes of Travel on the Rise
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is climbing faster than any other category—up 8.5% nationwide. In Georgia, more than 46,000 residents will travel using these modes. AAA reports cruise demand continues to surge, with Thanksgiving sailings to the Caribbean among the most popular.
Top Thanksgiving Destinations
AAA’s booking data shows Florida dominates domestic travel, with Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, and Anaheim/Los Angeles among the top picks. International travelers are favoring European destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna, as well as warmer locales like Cancun, Punta Cana, Sydney, and Aruba.
Plan for Heavy Traffic
INRIX predicts that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested times to hit the road before Thanksgiving. Sunday, November 30, is expected to be the busiest day for return travel.
For Atlanta-area motorists, the heaviest congestion is projected along I-16 eastbound from Atlanta to Savannah late Sunday afternoon, when travel times could increase by more than 50%.
AAA recommends leaving early, planning alternate routes, and remembering to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles and emergency crews.