Economic Pressures and Family Duties Shape Holiday Travel in 2025, Survey Shows

A recent survey by Upgraded Points highlights how economic factors and family obligations are influencing American travel plans for the 2025 holiday season.

Upgraded Points, a travel analysis firm, conducted a comprehensive survey of over 2,300 U.S. adults to gauge their travel intentions from Thanksgiving to New Year’s 2025. The survey explored various aspects of holiday travel, including distance, duration, transportation preferences, and the factors influencing decisions to travel or stay home.

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Key Findings

The survey revealed a significant impact of financial considerations and family expectations on travel decisions. A notable 56% of respondents prefer to celebrate holidays at home, while 34% visit others, and only 9% choose vacation destinations. Economic constraints are a major deterrent: 21% skip travel due to costs, and about 30% expect to spend over $1,000 on their holiday trips.

State-Specific Travel Trends

Travel patterns vary significantly across states. States like Ohio and Connecticut see higher percentages of their populations traveling during the holidays, whereas states like Nevada and Utah have the highest proportions of residents staying home. The survey also highlighted a trend of avoiding air travel: 74% of participants chose not to fly, primarily to avoid airport-related stress.

Long-Distance Travel Insights

The survey identified several states where residents are more likely to undertake long journeys. Colorado leads, with nearly a quarter of its population traveling over 500 miles for the holidays. This section of the survey sheds light on the lengths some Americans are willing to go to maintain holiday traditions despite logistical challenges.

Read the How Far Do Americans Travel for the Holidays? Study.