Discover the Secret to Stress-Free Thanksgiving Travel

Sue is the Operations Manager at the Atlas Travel Network with over 25 years of experience in the travel industry a 2023 Top Travel Specialist Condé Nast Traveler and has coordinated travel for hundreds of large travel groups.

Sue Lobo

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with around 49 million Americans hitting the road. Getting stuck in traffic can really dampen your holiday spirit. Being stuck on congested highways can leave you feeling unthankful. The holidays should be about family and food, not traffic. Don’t let your Thanksgiving journey dampen your holiday spirit. With some savvy travel tips, you can plan ahead and avoid peak travel days.

Plan Ahead: Travel On The Right Days

One of the best ways to avoid heavy traffic is to get an early start. If possible, plan to leave a day or two before Thanksgiving when there are fewer travelers on the road. You’ll miss the worst of the traffic congestion during the peak travel days right before the holiday. Checking traffic patterns from previous years can help you determine the lightest and heaviest travel days. Choose your travel days wisely. The day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are the worst for traffic. For lighter traffic, travel on Thanksgiving Day itself or earlier in the week, like Tuesday. If you must leave on Wednesday, depart early in the day. Saturday is better than Friday for returning home. On Friday, the streets will most likely be filled with Black Friday shoppers, and on Sunday, many travelers will be trying to get home at the same time.

Utilize Technology

Thanks to technology, you can now check for congested travel routes before heading out. Sites like beatthetraffic.com and Waze give you real-time traffic conditions to see which roads will allow easy access to your destination and which to avoid. Just make sure that you plan your route ahead so that you are not trying to devise an alternative route while you are on the road. Avoid major highways and interstates around big cities where bottlenecks frequently occur. Using alternative routes on secondary roads and state highways can help you bypass congested areas. Be sure to check traffic and route conditions before traveling. Apps like Waze can suggest faster options.

Avoid Heavily Traveled Routes

Roads, like interstates, tend to be the most traveled during the holidays. If you can, take back roads or streets that aren’t in very populated areas. You can easily set your GPS to give you step-by-step directions so that you don’t find yourself lost in an area that you are unfamiliar with. Just think, not only will you be able to avoid some traffic, but you may be able to see a place you’ve never been to. While it’s probably impossible to avoid all traffic on Thanksgiving, you can avoid some of it by utilizing the tips mentioned above. If you find yourself in a bit of congestion, try to be patient and remember everything you are thankful for.

Fly Instead of Drive

For long-distance travel, consider flying instead of driving to avoid wasting hours in traffic. Airports see high passenger volumes around Thanksgiving, so allow extra time and book flights early. Traveling early in the morning or late evening can also help you avoid airline delays.

Check the Weather

Inclement weather, like rain or snow, can slow down traffic on the roads. Be sure to check the forecast along your route in advance. Leave extra time for travel or consider delaying your trip if major storms are predicted.

Allow Time for Rest Stops

Make sure to account for regular rest stops, gas fill-ups, and meal breaks. Rushing to make up for lost time can cause accidents. Don’t follow too closely behind other vehicles; be patient if you run into congestion. Staying calm and focused on safe driving should be your priority.

Avoiding traffic around Thanksgiving takes some extra preparation. However, planning your travel strategically can help ensure you reach your destination safely and stress-free. Focus on smart trip timing, alternate routes, and leaving early to miss the worst snarls. With a little patience, you’ll get through the holidays traffic-free.

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