This Thanksgiving season is shaping up to be the busiest yet. AAA reported that they expect a record number of people to be traveling this holiday season. Additionally, more people plan on driving this year - no doubt in response to the main flight issues and delays. Therefore, traffic will be insane. Here is everything you need to know about the best and worst times to travel this Thanksgiving season.
The Best And Worst Times To Travel This Thanksgiving
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AAA shared the staggering number of people who will be travelling this Thanksgiving. According to the outlet, "81.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more" for the holiday. Additionally, the outlet shared that the expected travel dates are between Nov 25 and Dec. 1. With those record-high numbers, this Thanksgiving season is shaping up to be the most-traveled Thanksgiving holiday on record. While airports are typically crowded, findings show that the largest group of Americans, "about 73 million" of them, will be traveling by car this year. That means if you plan on driving to see your family this holiday season, you are bound to hit some serious traffic.
While there is no way to avoid it, there are some best and worst times to travel that could make or break your trip. Speaking with PEOPLE, AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz shared some tips for Thanksgiving travel. First, she shared that "Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday of them all when it comes to travel." So my secret advice is to host the holiday. Having everyone come to you helps you avoid all of the traffic - but that's just me. From there, Diaz shared the best and worst times to travel for the Thanksgiving season.
AAA's analysis shared that "the worst traffic falls on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving between noon and 9 p.m." I suppose all of those people are trying to avoid the day before traffic. However, even with most people travelling on that Tuesday, the Wednesday before the holiday will still be busy. Those most congested times for the day before will be between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
What To Do About The Traffic
If you have to leave on one of those busier days, there are still some things you can do to help lessen your time in traffic. First, getting on the road before 11 a.m. will help cut back on your driving time. Many people don't like to or cannot wake up early for one reason or another. If you and your crew can get out of the house bright and early, do it. Then you can be sipping Thanksgiving cocktails while others are stuck on the highway. Additionally, AAA recommends that you be prepared. They suggest all drivers do the following.
- Get a good night's rest
- Pack an emergency kit
- Check tire pressure and car battery
- Fill up gas tank before you hit the road
- Never drive impaired or distracted
