Record Thanksgiving Travel Expected in Atlanta and Beyond
As the holiday season approaches, residents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia are gearing up for a Thanksgiving like no other! According to travel experts at AAA, this year promises to bring record-breaking travel numbers, making it the busiest Thanksgiving ever!
A Grand Total of Travelers
In Georgia alone, a whopping 2.3 million residents are set to either hit the road or take to the skies for the Thanksgiving holiday. That’s a staggering increase of over 40,000 travelers compared to last year! The excitement doesn’t stop at the state line, either—nationally, an estimated 79.9 million people are expected to travel, which marks a 2% increase compared to last year’s record numbers. This year’s figures add a whopping two million more travelers compared to 2019!
What’s Driving the Numbers Up?
Experts suggest that economic growth, decreasing inflation, and strong income gains are largely contributing factors to this travel boom. As more people feel confident in their finances, consumer spending is projected to surge by an impressive 4.6% compared to last year. This is great news for those involved in the travel industry, as the demand continues to skyrocket!
Plan Ahead for Seamless Travel
Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA, shares some timely advice for those planning to travel this holiday season: “With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails, and sea, travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals.” To ensure a smooth journey, AAA encourages everyone to make their travel plans now, along with considering travel insurance. You never know when you might need coverage for flight cancellations, delays, or even lost luggage.
A Longer Travel Window
This year, the travel period is extended to a full seven days from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2. That’s a big change from last year’s more limited timeframe, which only covered from Wednesday to Sunday. With more time to travel, families and friends can have a more leisurely experience catching up and creating cherished memories.
New Trends in Travel
But it isn’t just about driving home for turkey and stuffing this Thanksgiving. There’s been a noticeable shift in travel preferences, as many holiday-goers are opting for something a bit different this year: cruises! With the demand for cruises at an all-time high, domestic and international cruise bookings are up an astonishing 20% compared to last Thanksgiving. As new ocean and river cruising options continue to roll out, more travelers are discovering the value and excitement of cruising as a holiday alternative.
Why This Matters
So, whether you’re planning a road trip, hopping on a flight, or setting sail on a cruise, it’s clear that this Thanksgiving will be a busy one! If you’re among the millions planning to travel this holiday season, remember to pack your patience, a good playlist for the journey, and perhaps some travel snacks to make the ride smoother.
With so many folks traveling far and wide to connect with loved ones and find new adventures, it’s shaping up to be a Thanksgiving packed with joy, gratitude, and perhaps a little bit of holiday cheer on the go!
