Millions Hit the Road for Thanksgiving, Setting New Travel Records

A record number of people are expected to travel within the United States for Thanksgiving, with nearly 82 million projected to travel at least 50 miles from November 25 to December 1, according to an AAA report released on Monday. This represents an increase of 1.6 million people compared to last year's holiday, with most of them opting to hit the road in a car. Approximately 73.2 million people are expected to drive, a 1.8 million increase from the 2023 holiday period. Meanwhile, 6 million people are projected to travel by plane within the country for the holiday, a 2 percent increase from last year. In preparation for the surge in travel, transportation officials and travel industry experts are urging travelers to plan ahead and consider alternative modes of transportation. "We're expecting a very busy travel period, and we want to remind everyone to check the weather forecast, road conditions, and flight schedules before heading out," said a spokesperson for the Federal Highway Administration. "Additionally, we recommend considering alternative modes of transportation, such as trains or buses, to avoid congested roads and airports." The increase in travel is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong economy and improved consumer confidence. According to AAA, the average distance traveled for Thanksgiving is approximately 700 miles, with many families opting to visit loved ones in other parts of the country. "Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and celebrate the holiday season," said a spokesperson for AAA. "We're happy to see so many people taking advantage of the opportunity to travel and spend time with loved ones." The global context of the travel surge is also worth noting. In many countries, Thanksgiving is not a widely observed holiday, but the concept of traveling to visit family and friends during the holiday season is a common theme. In Japan, for example, the Obon Festival is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors, while in India, the festival of Diwali is a major holiday that involves traveling to visit loved ones. As the travel period approaches, officials are urging travelers to be prepared for potential delays and disruptions. "We're expecting a very busy travel period, and we want to remind everyone to plan ahead and stay informed," said a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration. "We recommend checking the TSA's website for the latest information on security wait times and travel advisories." The current status of the travel surge is that many airports and transportation hubs are already experiencing increased activity, with long lines and crowded roads reported in several major cities. Travelers are advised to check the latest information on flight schedules, road conditions, and weather forecasts before heading out. As the holiday season approaches, officials are urging travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential disruptions.