If you’re one of the more than 55 million people planning to drive this Thanksgiving, you might want to consider getting an early start.
A new report from AAA forecasts a 2.3% increase in holiday travelers this year compared to last, marking the third-highest amount of travelers since it began forecasting travel trends in 2000.
Most of those travelers, a whopping 49.1 million, will be getting behind the wheel to reach their destinations, while another 4.69 million are expected to travel by air and 1.55 million by other means. The busiest travel day is projected for the day before the holiday, November 22, with peak driving hours occurring between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Plan Ahead for Travel
Mass travel, combined with inclement weather, means it’s essential to plan ahead this year. The latest Thanksgiving travel news predicts a cross-country storm bringing rainy conditions and potential snowstorms to the roads.
To avoid the worst of the traffic, travelers are advised to leave before 11 am on Wednesday. For those planning to travel on Thanksgiving day itself, AAA recommends departing before 10 am and returning home after 5 pm.
It’s not just the roads that will be busy. In cities like New York, peak subway congestion is expected to rise by 64%, while in Los Angeles, it could increase by as much as 88%.
Global Travel Rebound
An overall uptick in travel contributes to heightened traffic levels on both roads and public transportation. A June 2023 report found that global travel has fully rebounded following the significant slowdown seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This aligns with earlier findings, which indicate that inflation has shifted preferences from air travel to auto travel. Notably, 75% of travelers are planning to modify their travel plans or choose destinations closer to home.
Gas prices are also influencing travel decisions this year. Current prices are the lowest they’ve been since February, according to a recent survey by GasBuddy. “Drivers will save over half a billion dollars from Wednesday through Sunday compared to their expenses last Thanksgiving, with the national average at its lowest since January,” stated Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the drop in the national average does not ensure that every gas station will reflect that change. Drivers should check for the best prices before filling up.
