As winter settles in and the holiday season draws near, more Americans are opting to hit the road instead of boarding a plane. In 2025, nearly 90% of holiday travelers plan to drive rather than fly, according to travel-trend reporting.
There are several reasons for this shift. Rising airfare, packed airports, and the desire for flexibility are pushing travelers to rethink their holiday plans. Driving gives people control on where they stop, when they rest, and how far they go, not to mention those scenic detours that simply don’t exist at 35,000 feet.
This road-trip renaissance also agrees with an emerging era of “meaningful stays over flying away.” According to Deloitte’s 2025 survey, 57% of travelers cited cost savings as a big reason they’re choosing the road this holiday season. In short, driving during the holidays isn’t just practical, for many, it’s now part of the tradition. For this article, I drew on recent U.S. travel-industry data and surveys to understand why more Americans are choosing road trips over flights this season.
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Planning the perfect Christmas road trip: Routes, stops and spirit
When planning a Christmas road trip, the first step is picking your route. Here are a few ideas that combine holiday spirit and travel joy:
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The Classic Northeast holiday tour: Think small New England towns, quaint covered bridges, and snow-dusted downtowns. Start in Boston, make your way to Vermont (Stowe, Woodstock), then head into upstate New York for Christmas markets and historic inns.
A Christmas tree stands proudly on a chilly Northeast beach, blending festive cheer with coastal calm.Photo by Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash
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Southern lights and warm roads: For a milder winter getaway, drive through the South. Georgia’s small towns glow with holiday light festivals, Alabama hosts charming Christmas parades, and New Orleans lights up with seasonal magic.
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Mountain Magic: Head out West, where mountain towns become winter wonderlands. Park in Colorado, Utah, or Montana, and enjoy cozy cabins, forest roads lined with pines, and snow-covered passes that feel cinematic.
Related: Philly’s favorite Christmas tradition returns, but there’s a catch
Cozy roadside stops to capture the spirit
A road trip is about every stop along the way. Here’s how to layer in festive moments, rest, and memorable photo ops:
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Christmas markets and small-town squares: Many towns run traditional holiday markets, perfect for hot cocoa, artisan gifts, and that classic holiday vibe.
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Historic inns and B&Bs: Skip the big chain hotels. Choose locally run inns that decorate with wreaths, fireplaces, and old-world charm.
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Scenic overlooks for photos: Whether it’s a snowy mountain pass, a riverside bridge, or a forest clearing, plan for “golden hour” stops to capture your trip in truly magical light.
Cost comparison: Why the road is better than the sky at Christmastime
When you break down the numbers, a road trip can be significantly cheaper than flying — especially at the holidays. According to Bankrate’s 2024 holiday travel survey, 28% of U.S. travelers said they were driving instead of flying because of inflation.
Flights during the holidays can get expensive fast, especially with last-minute purchases, checked bags, and high demand. By contrast, driving allows for more flexibility: you can choose how often to stop, how far to go each day, and where to sleep, all of which helps stretch your budget.
Related: 6 U.S. festive Christmas markets that’ll get you in the holiday spirit
Beyond just gas and lodging, road trippers can save in other surprising ways. Packing your own meals means you can stock a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and homemade treats — avoiding overpriced airport food entirely. Traveling with companions also helps stretch your budget, since carpooling naturally splits the cost of fuel, lodging, and even entertainment. And once you’re on the road, many of the best experiences are free or low-cost, from scenic overlooks to small-town holiday displays, letting you soak in the festive atmosphere without overspending.
Making it magical (without the stress)
A great road trip needs solid preparation, especially in winter. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is serviced by checking tire pressure, brakes, fluids, and the battery, since mechanical issues are the last thing you want in December chill. Pack a winter emergency kit with essentials like blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies, snacks, a shovel, and an ice scraper. And always plan for weather and traffic: major highways can get icy, holiday congestion can be unpredictable, and using apps to monitor conditions and time your driving hours can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.
Don’t just drive, document the magic along the way. Winter’s golden hour, whether at sunrise or late afternoon, casts a soft glow that makes snow-dusted trees, winding backroads, and warm-lit cabins feel like scenes from a holiday film. Bring a travel journal or use a voice-note app to capture the moments you’ll forget first — the jokes shared in the car, the quiet thoughts that come with long stretches of open road, or the simple sensory details like the crackle of a fire or the scent of pine drifting through a cracked window. And collect small souvenirs — postcards, local ornaments, a piece of handblown glass from a roadside market — to give those memories something physical to hold onto once you’re back home.
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Why Christmas road trips are more than just a trend
Rather than rushing through crowded airports, more people are embracing slower, more meaningful travel. Road trips offer quality time, unplanned detours, and the freedom to shape your holiday exactly the way you like it. They also create space for conversation, reflection, and small discoveries that rarely happen at 30,000 feet.
In a world of uncertainty and rising costs, driving home or exploring a new winter landscape feels grounded, intentional, and charming. It allows travelers to feel more connected to the journey itself. For travelers craving connection and a sense of presence, the Christmas road trip is quickly becoming more than a fallback option; it is evolving into a new tradition that blends nostalgia, adventure, and a welcome break from the holiday rush.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.