Are you packed and ready to hit the road?
"It should be a great year for Thanksgiving travel,” said Elizabeth Carey, Public Affairs manager at the Triple-A. “AAA estimates 46.9 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving and that's the seventh year of growth. It's the most Thanksgiving travelers since 2007."
Carey told WXXI the number of travelers should go up 0.6% from last year.
"That might not sound like much, but it's 300-thousand additional holiday travelers. So it is a big increase. Thanksgiving is usually a road trip type holiday."
And the Triple-A survey of airfares shows they are down 10% from a year ago, so flying could be a little more affordable.
Wednesday and Sunday are again expected to be the busiest travel days this Thanksgiving.
"A lot of people will head out on Wednesday so they're in place and ready for Thanksgiving. They'll spend the long weekend with their friends and family and they'll head back home on Sunday."
Her advice? Rest up, and prepare an emergency road kit for your car. It can be a big help.
"And that would include that cell phone charger. Also, a bottle of water, some snacks - in case you did get stuck - a warm blanket and things like that. Extra clothing, gloves, hat, scarf...a flashlight."
Carey says many people carry flares just in case the car breaks down or gets stuck - remember last November's snow? Flares can help a tow truck find you.
One more thing to be thankful for? Lower gas prices.
"They're really down compared to last year. They’re down about a dollar from last year, and they're down about two-dollars from 2008. That makes a big difference."
However you travel, Carey suggests leaving yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, especially on Sunday, so it's easier to cope with any snags.
Related:
Red Cross encourages blood donations this Thanksgiving.
Greater Rochester International Airport urges early arrivals for holiday travel.
Governor Cuomo suspends road work for the holiday.
NYS Thruway lane closures.
