This Thanksgiving, a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, according to AAA. This marks a 1.7 million increase from last year, with much of the surge driven by the growing trend of post-pandemic travel. The automobile association has expanded its travel estimates to include the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after, which has contributed to the higher projection.
A Record-Breaking Holiday Weekend
Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest holiday for travel in the United States, and this year is no exception. Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, highlighted that the increase in travel is part of a broader trend of Americans reconnecting with family and friends, with travel being a central part of that. She also noted that travel demand has continued to rise since the pandemic, with more Americans seeking new adventures and memorable experiences.
Breakdown of Travel Plans
Among the nearly 80 million travelers, the vast majority will be hitting the road. 71.74 million people are expected to travel by car, while 5.84 million are projected to fly. An additional 2.28 million are estimated to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises. Notably, cruises have seen a 20% year-over-year increase in popularity, with many opting for holiday getaways on the water.
Traffic and Travel Tips
For those traveling by car, AAA predicts heavy traffic on most days, especially before Thanksgiving Day. However, Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to have the lightest traffic, making it the best day for long drives. For those hitting the road before Thursday, AAA recommends traveling during the morning hours to avoid congestion. The same advice applies for return trips on the Saturday and Sunday following the holiday.
With more Americans expected to travel this Thanksgiving than ever before, it’s clear that reconnecting with loved ones is a top priority, and travel is set to play a central role in making those reunions possible.
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