Shreveport, LA – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, a significant increase in holiday road travel is expected as gas prices continue to drop. According to GasBuddy’s 2024 Annual Thanksgiving Travel Survey, a staggering 72% of Americans plan to hit the road this Thanksgiving, marking a 75% surge compared to last year. This aligns with pre-pandemic levels, where 65% of travelers opted for road trips in 2019.
Gas Prices Fuel the Road Trip Revival
As gasoline prices reach their lowest levels since 2021, with averages below $3 per gallon in 29 states, more Americans are choosing the flexibility and affordability of driving. GasBuddy forecasts the national average gas price for Thanksgiving will hover around $2.98 per gallon, down slightly from the current $3.02 per gallon.
“Americans are eager to reunite with loved ones this Thanksgiving,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With gas prices significantly lower than the summer highs, millions of travelers are taking advantage of the seasonal drop in fuel costs to drive to their destinations.”
Key Findings from the Survey
- Who’s Traveling:
- 72% of respondents plan to drive, up from 41% in 2023.
- 10% will travel by air, while 87% of non-drivers aren’t traveling at all.
- Why Some Stay Put:
- 33% cited having nowhere to go.
- 19% mentioned travel was out of their budget.
- 16% blamed high fuel prices despite the recent declines.
- Trip Details:
- 66% of drivers plan to travel more than 100 miles, with 56% crossing state lines.
- Most drivers (60%) anticipate spending 1-6 hours on the road.
- Flexibility (48%) and proximity to destination (39%) are the top reasons for choosing to drive.
Fuel Savings and Rewards
Nearly 68% of drivers plan to leverage loyalty or cash-back programs, such as Pay with GasBuddy, to save on fuel costs.
Holiday Travel Outlook
With the majority of road travelers setting off early on Wednesday, November 27, highways and interstates are expected to be busier than in recent years. GasBuddy anticipates that seasonally low gas prices will continue through the holiday season, providing further relief for travelers.
For more insights and fuel-saving tips, visit gasbuddy.com/go/blog.
About GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the leading platform for real-time fuel price tracking, offering drivers tools to save money on gas through comprehensive data from over 150,000 gas stations across North America.