2025 US Holiday Season Set to Break Travel Records: Expert Tips to Save on Flights and Hotels

The 2025 holiday season is gearing up to be the busiest travel period in US history, with record-breaking passenger numbers expected at airports and highways. As flight and hotel prices soar amid high demand, experts advise travelers to plan ahead, book early, and stay flexible to make the most of the festive rush.

Record-Breaking Travel Expected This Year

According to a new report by CBS News, the 2025 holiday season could surpass last year’s record-setting Thanksgiving travel numbers. NerdWallet’s annual holiday travel report estimates that Americans will collectively spend around $311 billion on flights and hotels this year — averaging $2,586 per traveler, up nearly $260 from 2024.

Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, told CBS News, “The longer you wait to book holiday travel, the more expensive it is going to get.” She recommends finalizing Christmas travel plans by the first week of November, with November 4 cited as the ideal date to secure the best deals — roughly 51 days in advance of peak travel days.

Hitting the Road: A Smart Alternative

For those opting to skip the airport crowds, road trips are emerging as a cost-effective choice this year. Gas prices across the US are trending downward, averaging close to $3 per gallon, and could even drop below $2 per gallon in states like Oklahoma and Ohio. This makes driving to Thanksgiving or Christmas destinations both affordable and convenient.

Americans Still Prioritizing Holiday Travel

Despite inflation and economic uncertainties, nearly 48% of Americans plan to travel this holiday season regardless of cost, according to Travel and Tour World. Family reunions, festive vacations, and cultural traditions continue to drive travel demand, making the holiday season one of the most significant times of the year for domestic and international trips.

Airlines Preparing for a Holiday Surge

Booking data from Cirium shows Thanksgiving 2025 travel is already 2.2% higher than last year, with Christmas week bookings up by nearly 1%. To handle the surge, airlines are adding approximately 250,000 extra seats to their flight schedules.

Smart Booking Tips for 2025 Holiday Travelers

To make your trip smoother — and your wallet happier — here’s a smart booking guide to help you navigate the 2025 holiday season:

• Plan Early: Book flights 6–8 weeks in advance to lock in affordable fares.
• Travel Midweek: Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can save significantly compared to weekend travel.
• Explore Alternate Airports: Smaller airports often offer cheaper fares than major hubs.
• Use Reward Points: Redeem airline miles and credit card rewards for flights or hotel stays.
• Stay with Family or Friends: Skip expensive hotels where possible to cut lodging costs.
• Track Fare Alerts: Subscribe to airline and travel site notifications to catch flash sales.
• Bundle Deals: Combine flight and hotel packages for better overall discounts.
• Get Travel Insurance: Protect your bookings from cancellations or weather-related delays.

With demand at an all-time high, booking early and staying flexible is the key to stress-free holiday travel this year.