Car Travel Preferred for Holiday Getaways Among Americans
When it comes to Americans arriving at their holiday destinations this year, many have a preferred way to journey.
Motel 6 and Studio 6 have released the results of their 2024 Holiday Travel survey — sharing that more travelers prefer to drive.
Survey Insights: A Clear Preference for Driving
Results from a recent survey indicate that 51% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destinations, while a mere 13% intend to fly. Conducted by Talker Research, this survey gathered insights from 2,000 individuals celebrating winter holidays.
What’s intriguing is that among those opting for a road trip, 40% genuinely enjoy the experience of driving, and 46% cite the proximity of their destinations as a primary reason for their choice. Julie Arrowsmith, the president and CEO of G6 Hospitality, reflects, “There’s just something comforting and nostalgic about packing into the family car with a trunk filled with gifts and casseroles and road-tripping to your holiday celebrations.” Her words resonate deeply, evoking a sense of family connection and tradition.
Why Driving Stands Out This Season
Notably, 26% of survey participants indicated that driving is cheaper than flying, which adds another layer of practicality to their choice. Within the landscape of holiday travel, driving is considered more convenient, and it serves as a time-honored tradition for many families.
As a spokesperson noted, “Driving is always the overwhelming favorite because it tends to be cheaper and more convenient for most people.” Historically, holiday travel has shown that around 85%-90% of travelers choose to travel by car, with only 7%-8% opting for flights. The rest may embark on journeys via bus, train, or even cruise, but the car remains king during the festive season.
Reflections on the Joys of Road Travel
There’s an undeniable charm in holiday road trips. They symbolize freedom and adventure. Families can take detours, create spontaneous memories, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Each mile traveled often echoes with laughter and excitement, with children squabbling in the back seat and the anticipation of arriving somewhere special.
Local businesses along the route serve as charming pit stops, whether it’s grabbing a warm coffee at a neighborhood café or picking up some homemade treats from roadside stands. These moments add a layer of connection to both the journey and the local communities one passes through.
As families load their cars with festive cheer, packs of snacks, and playlists filled with beloved holiday tunes, the path to their destinations transforms into a custom tale, celebrating not just the holiday, but also the togetherness that comes from choosing to drive.
This year, as Americans consider their travel options, the preference for driving serves as a reminder of the joys of the journey itself.
