Surviving Thanksgiving Weekend Crowds

Thanksgiving is only a week away, which means soon airports and roads are going to be clogged with holiday traffic. And the AAA is predicting that a record number of Americans are going to be traveling during for the holiday. That means millions of people will be on the move, and if you’re one of them, it’s time to come up with a plan.

While airports will be busy, the majority of American’s will be driving to their destinations. If you’re one of them it may be too late to avoid the drive, but we can help you avoid many of the crowds.

AAA has released a guideline of the worst times to travel, as well as what cities are expected to have the most traffic, including specific roads. This year Tuesday is looking to be the worst day for travel, particularly around rush hour. Not only will people hit rush hour traffic, they will hit holiday traffic as people get an early start to their weekends. Traffic delays could be up 300% in some cities. Click here for a detailed list. If you can get on the road sooner, do it, otherwise you may be better off waiting until closer to Thanksgiving if you want to avoid traffic.

Longer commutes are important for people traveling via train, plane, or bus as well, as traffic delays can make you late. Give yourself extra time for traffic, and because airports and stations are going to be busier than usual.

And what about heading home? Getting an early morning start on Black Friday is your best bet for avoiding the crowds. By Saturday afternoon roads will again be crowded with people heading home. If you can stay an extra day and head home Monday, you may have less traffic as your reward.

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, accept that you are going to run into worse traffic than usual. That is inevitable. Please drive safe, and be kind to the others on the road with you.

Thanksgiving Crowds Projected to Grow

Planning to head out this coming weekend to visit friends or family for Thanksgiving? Be warned,

travel for the holiday weekend is projected to be up 1.9 percent. It is estimated that approximately 48.7 million people will be hopping on planes or getting in their cars over the next few days.

With low gas prices and lower than average airline fares, it’s no surprise that people are taking advantage. Unfortunately that does mean you will likely run into crowds wherever you go; the airport, taxi services, gas stations, roadside restaurants, and more. Does the idea of being surrounded by crowds make you feel panicked? Here’s our top tips for avoiding the crowds as much as possible.

1.      Pick the least busy days to travel. If you already have plane tickets you’re likely out of luck, but for those of you driving, changing your departure times can make a big difference. The two busiest days to be on the road are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you can leave on Thanksgiving Day, or head home the Saturday or even Monday after, you should encounter less traffic.

2.      Leave early. Maybe you have a flight, or maybe with your work schedule you are limited with the days you can go out of town. If that’s the case, always try to get an early start. If you’re flying get to the airport early. Lines will be long and navigating the crowded airport will be a nightmare. Traveling is stressful enough without adding the stress of trying to be on time. Driving? Avoiding the traffic is all about timing. If you have to leave Wednesday, leave earlier in the day. The same goes for Sunday. Getting an early start is almost always better.

3.      Less luggage is more. More time, that is. If you’re driving this isn’t such an issue, but if you’re flying, listen up. Checking baggage takes up a lot of time. You have to check your bags, hope they arrive to your final destination, and wait in baggage claim to collect them. With most flights each passenger is allowed carry-on luggage, and for a long weekend trip that will usually suffice. Pack smart and avoid long waits by not checking bags at the airport.

4.      Give yourself plenty of extra time. Let’s say, for example, you’re supposed to arrive at your in-law’s house at six in the evening on Wednesday, with dinner plans for seven. What if your flight is delayed? What if you hit traffic? What if your child gets car sick and you have to make a stop? Things like this happen, and if you’re only giving yourself an hour-long window you’re going to be stressed out. Keep plans casual for your arrival day, or give yourself a few hours as a buffer.

5.      Be patient. No matter what you do, you are likely to run into some crowds if you plan to travel during the holidays. Remember that you do not own the roads, the airports, or the sky. Everyone else who is traveling is just as deserving as you are. Bring something to entertain yourself with for long waits. Going to the airport? Bring a book, portable game system, or a laptop. Driving? Get some books on tape or a bunch of CDs. Try to have fun with the crowds. It will make you much less miserable.

Those are our top tips for traveling during the holiday weekend. Drive safe, and have a great Thanksgiving!