Press release

Sunseekers shape travel hotspots as United States prepares for Thanksgiving

November 20, 2025
3 min read
Sunseekers shape travel hotspots as United States prepares for bumper Thanksgiving week
Ani Mestre
Ani Mestre
Head of Communications Americas - Amadeus
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Regional airports also come to the fore – as Hawaii, Arizona and Florida emerge as destinations of choice

Travelers in the United States are expected to holiday in a variety of popular hotspots this coming Thanksgiving, gathering in warmer climates, flying into regional airports and choosing direct routes that make each trip smoother.


Data captured by Amadeus Travel Intelligence on November 19th anticipates a busy period, revealing U.S. air traffic will increase 4% year-over-year during Thanksgiving week. That is despite the Thanksgiving travel season this year unfolding against the backdrop of disrupted air traffic operations, which introduced uncertainty. However, the data reveals travelers remain committed to holiday plans.


Phoenix shows the strongest momentum, with departures up 3.4% and arrivals up 10.5% between Nov 25th-Dec 2nd, signaling renewed interest in the mild climate and outdoor attractions during the holiday season. Atlanta also shows strong gains, with departures up 5.4% and arrivals up 6.3%, cementing its role as both a key connector and a growing leisure gateway for southeastern travelers.

Sunseekers dominate Thanksgiving hospitality market

Sunshine is also driving Thanksgiving hospitality trends. According to Amadeus’ Demand360® data, among the top ten U.S. destinations where hotels are filling fastest for Thanksgiving week, seven are in Arizona, Florida or Hawaii.


Resort markets in Hawaii lead the pack, with occupancy levels at 69% between Nov 23rd-29th, more than double the U.S. average. Kahului, Honolulu, and Waikoloa are the strongest performers, reflecting travelers’ continued appetite for island getaways.


On the mainland, Sedona in Arizona is the most popular destination this Thanksgiving, while Page (home of Lake Powell and near Glen Canyon Dam) sits at number nine. Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts show similar momentum, led by destinations such as Key West and Key Largo.


The beaches and islands are filling fast, but rate increases remain modest. While most top destinations are slightly more expensive than last year, a few key markets like Kahului and Key West are cheaper, suggesting a season where travelers are finding value rather than inflation.

Regional U.S. markets seize moment

Elsewhere, smaller airports are quietly gaining momentum. Amadeus’ data shows mid-sized and secondary airports are posting 9% growth in Thanksgiving bookings compared to last year, even as traffic at the largest hubs remains stable.


California leads this shift, with Long Beach, Oakland, Burbank, and Sacramento all ranking among the top ten fastest-growing destinations. The pattern mirrors hotel data: travelers are favoring air trips that are simpler, more direct, and less congested.

“Data from Amadeus Travel Intelligence illustrates a move toward transforming how travel works with smoother, more connected journeys, as travelers are proactive about reducing disruption. By flying into and out of smaller airports, avoiding long transfers, and focusing on convenience over extravagance, more Americans are personalizing Thanksgiving to match how they want to travel.”

Jill Boegel Head of Sales, North America, Hospitality, Amadeus

College football towns drive local travel swings

Post-Thanksgiving weekend isn’t just about eating leftovers, though; it’s also about touchdowns. College towns like Auburn, AL (+$214), Ann Arbor, MI (+$145) and Norman, OK (+$129) are all seeing sharp jumps in average daily rates (ADR) as fans pour in for game-day.


The trend gives a window into how Thanksgiving football weekends drive fluctuations in hotel rates, depending on teams playing at home. These spikes reveal how deeply football influences regional economies: a single home game can turn a quiet holiday week into a sellout event.

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