OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If your Thanksgiving plans include packing the car and heading to see family this Thanksgiving holiday, join the club. You and more than 49 million others are planning the same thing.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period which is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 26.
They say most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022.
“Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.
AAA says drivers could be paying less for gas than last Thanksgiving when the national average was $3.58. “This year, the national average peaked in mid-August at $3.87 and has been coming down since, despite global tensions causing ripples through the oil market,” said AAA in a release on their website.
Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, November 22, to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.”
