Record Number of Americans are traveling This Winter
More than eight in 10 Americans are making plans to travel this winter, according to a survey by the travel insurance service Allianz Partners. Many of them will be traveling this week into New Year’s weekend.
Year-over-year travel is up 3 percent, signaling continued consumer confidence. The Department of Commerce announced on Tuesday that the US economy grew at 4.7% in the third quarter, surpassing both economists’ and media pundits’ forecasts. The numbers are good news for 4th quarter figures expected to be released in February. Its fueled, in part, by Christmas, which is also shaping up to be a record year for shopping.
That optimism is reflected in travel. A 3 percent rise in domestic bookings and a 1 percent uptick in international trips suggest that Americans remain eager to prioritize experiences and connections during the holiday season. It
When asked about their main motivation, two-thirds of survey respondents said they’re traveling to visit family and friends, reaffirming that connection remains the heartbeat of the holidays. Beyond reunions, travelers also are seeking enrichment. Twenty percent cite cultural experiences and another 20 percent highlight holiday traditions as key trip goals, indicating a shift toward travel that feels both meaningful and festive.
Flying remains the go-to choice for holiday travel, with 82 percent customers planning to take to the skies, followed by 4 percent opting for trains and 3 percent sharing they’ll be driving their own cars or renting cars. This surge in air travel aligns with record airline capacity and travelers’ growing willingness to brave busy airports for a well-deserved getaway.
Americans continue to plan early, as 42 percent of survey respondents booked their winter travel one to three months in advance, while 30 percent reserved trips four to six months out. The trend toward earlier bookings points to both strong demand and a desire to lock in favorable fares and flexible protection options amid unpredictable winter weather.
For the fifth consecutive year, New York City tops the list of most popular domestic destinations for holiday travelers, made up primarily of travelers from the region. Orlando follows close behind, appealing to travelers drawn to Orlando’s theme park magic and family-friendly festivities. Rounding out the top five, Phoenix and Salt Lake City give travelers the best of both worlds, with sunny escapes and snow-covered adventures.
Kansas City, not known as a major travel destination, saw a 16% rise in travelers in 2025. MCI, the region’s international airport, saw a 5% increase in December.
“Holiday travel is one of the most memorable, and sometimes unpredictable, times of the year,” said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners.
–Dwight Widaman
