Sadly, fewer than a third of Americans have traveled on Thanksgiving day, according to a report from AAA. So how are those that are headed away shopping? Transportation. Travelers are likely heading to heavy travel areas – in fact, nearly three-quarters of motorists this year will hit the road between 3-6pm on the day itself.
The Thanksgiving Travel Equation
If you’ve planned to hit the road during Thanksgiving, the statistics aren’t going to make you feel optimistic. Luckily, it’s not the driving and travel time that is working against you. Rather, it’s the fact that Thanksgiving Day falls on a Sunday. Since 40 percent of holiday travelers drive to their destination, that means on average, Americans will spend 22 hours in their cars over the course of the five-day period. Those 24 hours have a large impact on gas prices: of the 10 largest American cities, Portland, Maine ranks #1 with a gasoline price that is the highest.
And the getting there is quite the challenge. About 40 percent of car trips are made by adults between the ages of 18 and 34, and about 38 percent of Americans who take a road trip on Thanksgiving Day are so-called Millennials. But all road trips, regardless of who is driving, only require drivers to have a map. Pick a location – or more specifically, a route to be taken – and someone should be able to help you.
Holiday travel can be a frustrating experience that often leads to regret. Hopefully the anticipation of seeing loved ones, spending time with family and friends, and being one with nature will convince you to reevaluate the formula that nearly 40 percent of Americans have reached.