Thanksgiving Travel: Best and Worst Times to Hit the Road
Millions of us will get behind the wheel or head to the airport to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones this year. According to a new report from AAA, about 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period (defined as the five-day period from November 22nd – the day before Thanksgiving to November 26th, the Sunday after the holiday). This year’s forecast is up 2.3% over last year. That makes it the third busiest Thanksgiving for travel since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The two busiest years for holiday travel were 2005 and 2019.
Busier than ever
Of all the folks traveling for Thanksgiving, a vast majority will be on the road. AAA expects less than 5 million Americans flying over the holiday, which is the highest number of air travelers since 2005. If you are going to Grandma’s by plane, plan accordingly. The busiest days for air travel, and the most expensive, are the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and Sunday is the busiest day to fly home.
If you will be one of the nearly 50 million pilgrims on the road, here are the best and worst times to be on the road for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Wednesday before Thanksgiving:
- This is, by far, the busiest day to travel. If you have to shove off on Wednesday, AAA suggests you leave before 11 am. The busiest time to be on the road is between 2 pm and 6 pm on Wednesday.
Thanksgiving Day
- Not everyone will be on the road on Wednesday. Thanksgiving traffic will be heaviest between 11 am and 3 pm. AAA suggests, if you plan to hit the road on Thanksgiving Day, you can avoid the traffic if you ride before 10 am or after 5 pm. The good news about leaving that late is that you will get to your destination in time for leftovers. Check out these easy & creative leftover ideas!
Black Friday
- On Friday, travel before 11 am or after 7 pm if possible. The roads will be busiest between noon and 4 pm.
Weekend Travel
- If you head home over the weekend, you will not be alone. Many people will be hitting the road to return home on Saturday and Sunday between 3 and 5 pm, so AAA recommends leaving before noon on both days.
Bottom Line
If you are headed out, plan ahead and pack your patience. Everybody is going to see someone who would be sad if they didn’t make it. So, keep your hand off the horn and send up a prayer for a safe and happy holiday season.
What Your Favorite Thanksgiving Side Says About You
Mac & Cheese
If your favorite side dish is mac and cheese, you’re a person who doesn’t take any time with your family for granted. You appreciate the small things in life and the memories you’ve created along the way. Your first taste of mac and cheese was when you were a child and you still remember how your face lit up after that first bit. You’re a nostalgic person that wants to capture every moment.
Corn
Your fondness for corn as your favorite Thanksgiving dish suggests that you have a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. You’re down to earth and you prefer the simplicity in life. You don’t need anything too fancy schmancy. The vibrant color of corn on your rather muted plate is how others perceive you, as the shining light in their lives.
Green Bean Casserole
You’re a warm and welcoming person. On the outside green bean casserole sounds like an unappealing dish because its main ingredient is a veggie. Right? Wrong! You are a person who doesn’t judge a book by its cover. You find the beauty in others and are always willing to invite them in and give them a chance.
Brussels Sprouts
If your favorite side dish is Brussels Sprouts at Thanksgiving, then you plan on ruining the delicious smell of turkey with the atrocious odor of those green, slimy, tiny cabbages. I specifically hope that if you prefer to fill more than a third of your plate with the sprouts, you bring them yourself. (It’s even worse if you prefer them boiled over baked.) This Thanksgiving dinner, please try some mashed potatoes or stuffing. It will change your whole outlook on life.
Mashed Potatoes
If your favorite side dish at Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes, then you’re a person who loves comfort. You find solace in familiar things. Mashed potatoes are a classic staple on your holiday dish, this says that you are someone who values family and tradition.
Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows
If you prefer this unique combination on your Thanksgiving dinner plate, you are a creative and imaginative person. You love to try new things, even if they’re not guaranteed to work. You are an adventurer with a sweet tooth and it’s what your friends and family love most about you.
Cranberry Jelly Sauce
Congratulations, you are one of the few who prefer this side on your Thanksgiving plate. You are independent and make your own decisions, despite what others might say. Cranberry jelly is the metaphor for “take me as I am.” You also live by the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
No Side
Jail. If all you have on your plate at Thanksgiving dinner is a slice of turkey (by your own will), we have to put you in jail. I don’t make the rules. This meal was built on its sides, so to not include any is unacceptable. For the sake of your friends and family, please throw some corn and mashed potatoes on your plate this holiday.
Stuffing
You have a big heart! There are lots of ways to make stuffing and each way is delicious. If you like to load up on the stuffing during the holiday, not only do you have great taste, but you are also a generous and giving person. You enjoy stepping back and giving others the spotlight to feel special.
