According to a new report from NerdWallet, the 2025 holiday season is shaping up to be one for the record books. Americans are projected to spend more than $300 billion on flights and hotels this year.

That amounts to an average of about $2,600 per person, a $260 increase from last year.

Analysts say many Americans are prioritizing travel and family gatherings after several years of shifting holiday trends, despite rising costs across much of the economy.

“The longer you wait to book holiday travel, the more expensive it is going to get,” said Sally French, a travel expert for NerdWallet.

With demand expected to surge as the holidays approach, early booking is strongly recommended. Flight and hotel prices are projected to climb steadily over the next month.

French says the best time t

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