Title: Thanksgiving Travel Surges to New Heights: Nearly 80 Million Expected to Hit the Road
This Thanksgiving holiday season, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is predicting an impressive milestone in travel numbers, with nearly 80 million individuals expected to embark on journeys via roads and airways, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
AAA’s projections suggest that approximately 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home during the Thanksgiving period, marking a substantial increase of 1.7 million individuals from the previous year and 2 million more travelers compared to 2019. Notably, this year’s forecast includes travel encompassing the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday following the holiday, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capturing people’s evolving travel patterns.
Stacey Barber, the vice president of AAA Travel, remarked, “Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising.” The data indicates that the majority of Thanksgiving trips, totaling 71.7 million, will be made by car, representing a notable rise of 1.3 million more travelers hitting the road compared to the previous year. Moreover, favorable gas prices below last year’s national average of $3.26 per gallon are expected to contribute to increased road travel.
Transportation analysts at INRIX, as cited by AAA, have pinpointed Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons as peak times for heavy traffic congestion on the roads. However, Thanksgiving day itself is anticipated to offer smoother travels, with less traffic congestion typically experienced on that day.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, emphasized the importance of utilizing traffic apps and staying informed through local news alerts, particularly for drivers in major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic volumes are expected to more than double compared to regular days.
Hertz, the renowned car rental company, has identified cities such as Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, and Phoenix as hotspots demonstrating high demand for rental cars during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Noteworthy trends in travel patterns include a record-breaking 5.84 million individuals planning to fly, marking a substantial 9% increase from 2019, with a remarkable 23% surge in international flight bookings reported by AAA. Additionally, alternative modes of transportation such as buses, cruises, and trains have witnessed an upward trend, showing a 9% rise from the previous year and an 18% increase from 2019.
Among domestic travel destinations, Orlando emerges as the most popular choice for travelers, with other Florida cities securing spots in the top ten destinations as Americans seek warmer climates for their holiday getaways. As travelers gear up for their Thanksgiving journeys, a significant portion of the continental United States is bracing for inclement weather conditions, with over 25 million people residing in areas covered by weather warnings and watches.
In the midst of this bustling travel season, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed, exercise caution, and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience. As the nation anticipates a surge in Thanksgiving travel, the spirit of adventure and reunions with loved ones beckon, promising memorable moments and cherished traditions for all who embark on this festive journey.
