BOISE – As millions of Americans prepare for turkey and all the trimmings, many travelers are gobbling up plane tickets and plenty of gasoline this Thanksgiving.
According to AAA, an astonishing 81.8 million Americans will travel for the holiday, including 478,000 Idahoans. That’s an additional 1.6 million people from just a year ago.
“I almost hesitate to call them ‘records’ when they keep getting broken each year, but that’s the trend we’re continuing this Thanksgiving,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “With 1 in 4 people nationwide and here in the Gem State making a turkey day trip, U.S. roads and skies may very well be the busiest they’ve ever been.”
This year, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period runs from Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1 – the busiest holiday travel window this year. While new records are expected for every mode of travel, nearly 90% of people will be going by car.
The worst days to travel are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon before the holiday, and all of Sunday after the holiday. But with a record number of travelers throughout the week, roads and airports may be extra busy regardless of the day and time.
Where are Idaho families going?
This year’s top Thanksgiving destinations include:
- Las Vegas, NV
- Anaheim, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Seattle, WA
- Honolulu, HI
- Portland, OR
- Billings, MT
- Jackson, WY
- Orlando, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
How much do things cost this year?
The turkey day travel budget will be like a year ago, unless your adventure is on the high seas:
- Domestic flights are 1% more expensive than last year
- Domestic hotels are 3% cheaper than last year
- Domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper than last year
- Cruises are 40% more expensive than last year
Gas and crude oil dynamics
Today, Idaho’s average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is about $3.30 per gallon, about a penny less than a week ago, 15 cents less than a month ago, but 13 cents more than a year ago. The national average currently sits at $3.07 per gallon, the same as a week ago and a year ago.
The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading around $60 per barrel, nearly $9 less than a year ago.
“It’s comforting that if you’re traveling by land or air, you may see little change compared with last year,” Conde said. “Thanksgiving traditions and family gatherings could help keep costs down versus the sightseeing activities for other holidays.”
AAA – protecting travelers at the roadside
AAA anticipates responding to more than 600,000 requests for emergency road service nationwide, including 1,000 in the Gem State. Preventive maintenance can help drivers avoid roadside mishaps; have a trusted mechanic complete a pre-trip inspection to resolve any issues before you go.
Travel smart
- Pack two days before you travel so that you aren’t stressed out the night before
- Dress in layers to stay comfortable
- Use packing cubes and other space-saving devices
- Keep important documents, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag
- Keep cash with you for incidentals
“You never know when illness, injury, or weather will affect your vacation, but you’re still going to book that vacation. Stay flexible, speak with a travel agent about purchasing travel insurance, and arrive earlier than usual if you’re heading to the airport,” Conde said. “Stay patient and adaptable, and things will work out in the end.”
