With Thanksgiving just around the corner, a surge in holiday travel is upon us. According to CBS Austin, AAA's travel forecast predicts nearly 80 million Americans are gearing up to travel this holiday season. As the festive spirit takes hold, families and individuals alike are cementing plans to reunite and give thanks, even if it means braving the holiday traffic and busy airports.
In the state of Texas, a particular increase in wanderlust has been noted. An expected 5.7 million Texans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving period, as reported by CBS News Texas. This projection marks a 1.3% uptick over last year's figures and is 2.4% higher than travels pre-pandemic. Popular destinations within Texas include San Antonio, Austin, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, along with out-of-state locations such as the Caribbean and Orlando, and for those venturing farther, Rome, Italy holds the top international allure.
To accommodate the influx of travelers, AAA Texas expects to respond to over 29,400 calls for assistance during this time. They recommend that those hitting the roads ensure their vehicle maintenance is up-to-date, and to check that tires and batteries are in good condition. Furthermore, the most congested time to travel by car is predicted to be on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with travel times estimated to be 38% more than usual.
For those taking to the skies, preparation is key. Airports will brim with travelers, and AAA advises arriving at least two hours before domestic and three hours for international flights. Additionally, securing a parking reservation at the airport is suggested for those self-driving. The heaviest road traffic in Texas is anticipated during the late afternoon and evening hours of Monday, Dec. 2 on I-45 between Galveston and Houston, a statistic travelers should be keenly aware of when planning their return journeys.
