This year more than 55 million people are going to do some wandering over the Thanksgiving holiday.  If you’re figured into that number we’re going to give you some tips and tricks that will help you plan, or at least help you cope with your holiday road trip…

There is no better place to turn to for travel info that good ole’ AAA.  Since 1902 they have been on the forefront of travel and automobile safety. I thank them for providing the stats in this post. Each one of our family vacations when I was growing up always came with a fresh set of maps, tour books, and Triptiks from AAA.  Those days are long gone but that is an indelible imprint in my mind and one that I look back on with much happiness.  So here’s a shout out to AAA and for more info go to AAA.com

By the numbers: 2019 Thanksgiving travel forecast

• Automobiles: 49.3 million travelers will hit the road this Thanksgiving, the most since 2005 and 2.8% more than last year.
• Planes: With 4.6% growth, air travel will see the biggest increase in travel volume during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 4.45 million Americans expected to fly.
• Trains, Buses and Cruise Ships: Travel by other modes will reach 1.49 million, a slight increase of 1.4% from 2018.

Warm weather beckons this Thanksgiving

The theme parks of Orlando and Southern California, and other warm-weather destinations will see an influx of travelers looking to escape the start of winter. Florida is home to four of the top 10 destinations, and Hawaii twice graces the list of top destinations in the U.S. this Thanksgiving, based on advance AAA Travel bookings:

1. Orlando, Florida
2. Anaheim, California
3. New York, New York
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
6. Lauderdale, Florida
7. Tampa, Florida
8. Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
9. Phoenix, Arizona
10. Miami, Florida

For those travelers planning an international vacation for Thanksgiving, sandy beaches are their destinations of choice. Nassau, Bahamas; Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica are AAA’s top international destinations this Thanksgiving, with Munich, Germany rounding out the top five.

The Road Trip

Nothing worse than Wednesday: Times NOT to be on the road

For the 49.3 million Americans traveling by automobile, INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts major delays throughout the week, peaking Wednesday with trips taking as much four times longer as commuters mix with travelers.

“With record levels of travelers, and persistent population growth in the country’s major metropolitan areas, drivers must prepare for major delays,” said Trevor Reed, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Although travel times will peak on Wednesday afternoon nationally, travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion throughout the week.”

Source: INRIX

Road Trip Tips

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive
• Don’t just rely on your GPS to get you to your destination.  There is a good chance that everyone else is doing the same which just have Waze taking you way out of the way because it is adjusting everyone’s route!  Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic
• Be mindful that everyone is trying to get somewhere just like you are, so stay in your lane and follow the rules of the road.  Courtesy goes a long way during holiday travel
• Don’t forget some snacks.  I’m not condoning spoiling the big turkey day meal, however, your road trip might be longer than expected and a little something to fill the gap in your belly will make you happier along the way

The Skies

While the day before Thanksgiving has traditionally been one of the busiest travel days of the year, TSA reported that it has started to see more people kick off their travels the Friday before Thanksgiving, with most passengers choosing to return home on either the Sunday or Monday after Thanksgiving. The busiest travel days will still be the Tuesday and Wednesday just prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving—that Sunday is actually projected to break well into TSA’s top 10 busiest days ever.

Air Travel Tips

Keep the Weather Top of Mind

• You don’t need to obsess about the weather, (I do enough of that for everyone!) but you should keep an eye on it as you lead up to your departure date.  As air travel gets more and more busy and the weather getting more and more obscure it seems as though that flight delays and full-on cancellations happen more frequently.  Remember, weather is beyond the airline or airports control and you just have to roll.  I’ve traveled a lot this year and have fallen victim to weather more times than ever.  A good book always helps me pass the time

Pack like a Pro

• If you are a frequent flyer you know the drill, however, it is always worth a refresher – for carry-on luggage, liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less, and all bottles must fit into a single quart-size plastic bag to be placed in a bin for screening. Larger liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols should be placed into checked bags. Let a TSA officer know if you’re traveling with larger quantities of liquid medications, breast milk, or formula, as those need to be screened separately

Give Yourself Extra Time to Get to the Airport and Through Security

• Holiday travel is always busier especially this time of year.  You’ll be far less stressed if you give yourself time.  Expect the worst and you will always be happy with the outcome.  For most the journey starts at the destination, if you make the mind shift that it starts when you leave your house, you just may have a more enjoyable trip.  It’s all in your ‘tude

Check the Bins

• In all of the hustle and bustle is can be easy to dash away from security and leave something behind.  Don’t be the one that is summoned back to TSA to pick-up your laptop or your belt.  If you gave yourself enough time you won’t have to worry about this one!

Your Baggage

• Baggage considerations are a not insignificant part of air travel planning. The airlines have made this an issue because of the extra costs that frequently accompany checking bags.  As such, many people prefer to skip checked bags to avoid the extra cost, to avoid risk of lost luggage and just to help get you through the airport more quickly.  I for one run contrary to that.  I loathe the hassle of excess carry-ons.  To me, it is cumbersome lugging it around and the most definitely makes the boarding process slower.  If you have a bag that would qualify as a carry-on but don’t want to pay the bag check you can always just take it with you to the gate and check it there – I haven’t been on a flight in years now where they didn’t offer up free bag check to a large number of people

Keep Your Cool

• Deep breaths all around!  Everyone around you is going through the same thing, in their own way.  As a matter of fact, one of my favorite things to do when I find myself getting a little frustrated at the airport is to stop and listen to the throngs of complaining people around me.  You will quickly realize that much of what you’re hearing is, well, more than slightly exaggerated.  Misery does indeed love company and there is no lack of company on hectic flight days.  But not for you.  You are enjoying your journey!

Start Thinking About Next Year Now

• There’s no time like the present to start your 2020 holiday planning and chances are you can even grab some great price breaks right after Thanksgiving.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn’t just for your basic retailers – travel has become a big part of these sales as well. Keep your eyes open for them

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and remember, be forever Wandering But Not Lost!