From theme park destinations to bustling metropolitan areas, Americans are crisscrossing the country this Thanksgiving. AAA has compiled a list of the top domestic destinations based on flight, hotel, and rental car bookings for Thanksgiving week. Orlando and Anaheim top the list again, as they did in 2021 and 2019, while two new additions round out the top 10 this year: Chicago and Charlotte.
“Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and friends, so it’s no surprise that theme park destinations top the list, with entertainment and meals accessible within a resort,” said Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel. “Chicago and Charlotte join Atlanta as hub cities for the three largest airlines – American, Delta, and United – and will see lots of activity this holiday season, as airline routes and direct flights are limited, and staff shortage still exists.”
Average hotel booking costs are up 8% compared to 2021, but hotel prices in some cities like Las Vegas and Denver are lower this year. “Since travel restrictions have lifted, we are seeing more of a shift from rural destinations back to urban cities, like New York,” Twidale added. “Consumer confidence has improved, and travelers want the excitement and accessibility of big cities, as well as more hotel options and greater inventory, which can sometimes mean better pricing.”
| Ranking | Destination | Average Hotel Booking* | 2022 Prices Compared to 2021 |
| 1 | Orlando, FL | $616 | ↓ 11% |
| 2 | Anaheim, CA | $643 | ↑ 5% |
| 3 | Las Vegas, NV | $319 | ↓ 17% |
| 4 | New York, NY | $1,116 | ↑ 25% |
| 5 | Atlanta, GA | $426 | ↑ 7% |
| 6 | Phoenix, AZ | $530 | ↓ 7% |
| 7 | Dallas/Fort Worth, TX | $406 | ↑ 13% |
| 8 | Denver, CO | $407 | ↓ 24% |
| 9 | Chicago, IL | $440 | ↑ 17% |
| 10 | Charlotte, NC | $510 | ↑ 66% |
*AAA hotel data reflects average booking prices for entire stays during Thanksgiving week, which vary in length. These are not nightly rates.
Top Destinations: Where to Eat
AAA Diamond Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Not everyone has the time, energy, or interest to be in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day! That’s why AAA has compiled a list of Diamond-designated restaurants serving up turkey with all the trimmings in the Top 10 Thanksgiving Destinations. This is just a taste of what’s open on Turkey Day. To find more Diamond properties welcoming diners on Thanksgiving, explore AAA’s newest free travel tool, Trip Canvas, where you can dream, plan, and book your next getaway!
- Orlando – Primo, The Venetian Chophouse
- Anaheim – Napa Rose
- Las Vegas – Bardot Brasserie, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
- New York City – Gramercy Tavern, Temple Court
- Atlanta – Atlas, Ray’s on the River
- Phoenix – T. Cook’s
- Dallas/Fort Worth – Mignon, Toro Toro
- Denver – Panzano, Plimoth
- Chicago – Coco Pazzo, Maple & Ash
- Charlotte – Red Rocks Cafe (Huntersville)
For information on Rental Car Dos & Don’ts – click here!
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