What's Happening?
Las Vegas has emerged as the leading travel destination for Thanksgiving, surpassing New York City, according to data from HotelPlanner. The travel tech company analyzed hotel bookings for Thanksgiving weekends in 2024 and 2025 across major U.S. cities,
revealing that 56% of travelers are choosing Las Vegas. This marks a 13% increase in popularity for Las Vegas over the past year, while New York City, now the second most popular destination, saw a 7% increase. Despite complaints about high prices in Las Vegas, including a 23% rise in hotel rates compared to 2024, the city remains a favored choice. New York City, although slightly less popular, is noted for even higher travel costs, with hotel prices increasing by 53% since 2024. Other top destinations include Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston.
Why It's Important?
The preference for Las Vegas and New York City as top Thanksgiving destinations highlights significant trends in U.S. travel behavior, particularly in the face of rising costs. The increased popularity of these cities suggests a strong demand for urban holiday experiences despite economic pressures. This trend could impact local economies positively, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, the high costs associated with these destinations may deter some travelers, potentially affecting overall tourism numbers. Additionally, the ongoing partial government shutdown could exacerbate travel challenges, with potential flight cancellations and delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
What's Next?
Travelers planning to visit Las Vegas or New York City for Thanksgiving should prepare for potential disruptions due to the government shutdown, which may lead to increased airport congestion and flight issues. Stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industries may need to address pricing strategies to balance demand with affordability. Additionally, policymakers might face pressure to resolve the shutdown to minimize its impact on holiday travel. The situation could prompt discussions on infrastructure improvements and contingency planning for future peak travel periods.
