Here’s What to Expect for Your Holiday Travel

The holiday travel season is always busy, but what should you expect this year in particular? A study from travel digital marketing platform Sojern revealed costs are a concern, but that’s not keeping some travelers from taking their holidays international in 2024.

The study found, compared to 2023, more travelers are opting to drive rather than fly for the holidays, but, despite this, domestic flight bookings are up 4 percent from last year, with about 4.7 million people planning to fly for Thanksgiving, and a large majority to Orlando.

For Christmas, though, domestic travel is down by a significant amount (15 percent), while travelers look further afield. Travel to Europe for Christmas has risen 2 percent year over year, while travel to Asia for Christmas has risen 9 percent. The top European destination for the holiday is the United Kingdom. Other top international destinations include Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. Flight bookings for the Dominican Republic alone are up 14 percent this year.

Over November and December, international travelers in general head for destinations that can deliver specific events and experiences. The study found top attractors include traditional European Christmas markets, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and ski resorts.