TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the results of its annual Thanksgiving travel survey of more than 1,200 U.S. respondents, revealing that 39 percent plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, up seven percent from those that did in 2012 (32 percent). Of those traveling, 37 percent will flock to the skies, while 57 percent plan to drive to their Turkey Day destination.

Thanksgiving Spending on the Rise
Forty-six percent of travelers plan to spend more on Thanksgiving travel this year compared to 2012, while 44 percent anticipate spending about the same.

• 14% plan to spend more than $3,000
• 21% expect to pay $1,000-$2,999
• 23% are budgeting $500-$999

Shopping malls will be crowded along with roads and runways, as forty-five percent of U.S. respondents plan to take a Black Friday shopping trip, a 12 percent increase from those that anticipated doing so in 2012.

“With a seven percent increase in those planning a Thanksgiving pilgrimage this year, it’s clear Americans are hungry for the holiday,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “As more than a quarter of travelers plan to depart the day before Thanksgiving, travelers with flexible schedules will be best served leaving Tuesday or earlier.”

Navigating the Stresses of Turkey Day Travel

• 70% of travelers admit to being stressed by Thanksgiving travel; travelers’ top sources of frustration: congested roadways, crowded airports / long security lines, and inclement weather
• 64% plan to travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic
• The busiest day for Thanksgiving travel will be Wednesday, November 27 (27%)
• 16% will eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, with their top cited reason being to avoid cooking
• 8% of travelers will seek to relieve stress by opting to pay for an accommodation rather than stay with family and friends 

Tapping Technology for Thanksgiving 
Fifty-seven percent of travelers plan to use a mobile device to assist their Thanksgiving travel. Among the group, 85 percent will turn to a smartphone, while 47 percent will consult their tablet.

The top five reasons travelers plan to utilize their devices:

1. Check the weather (70%)
2. Use navigation (51%)
3. Research restaurants (40%)
4. Check flight status (36%)
5. Check-in to a flight (35%)

Not Everyone Staying at Mom’s
While 44 percent of those traveling for Thanksgiving plan to stay at the home of family or friends, 34 percent will hunker down in a hotel, and eight percent will rest in a vacation rental.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Destinations
The top U.S. cities travelers plan to visit:

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Los Angeles
5. Boston / San Francisco