AAA Expects 11 Percent Increase in Thanksgiving Travel

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

AAA Expects 11 Percent Increase in Thanksgiving Travel

AAA projects the number of Americans traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday will increase 11.4 percent from 2009, with approximately 42.2 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home. Last year, 37.9 million Americans traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The 2010 Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as today, Wednesday, November 24, to Sunday, November 28.

Trips by automobile remain the dominant mode of transportation for holiday travel with 94 percent of travelers, or 39.7 million people, reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 12 percent from last Thanksgiving when 35.5 million Americans reached their destination by motor vehicle. According to AAA, the current national average price of self-serve regular gasoline is $2.89 per gallon.

With nearly 40 million travelers expected on the roads this Thanksgiving, history tells us many will experience roadside breakdowns or other automotive problems during their journey.

To help avoid car trouble and unnecessary delays during holiday travel, AAA recommends that travelers perform several key car care tasks at least one week prior to hitting the road to allow time to address any issues they may uncover. Some basic items most travelers can check themselves include tire tread, tire pressure, wiper blades and battery connections.

AAA also advises travelers whose vehicles are due or past due for regularly scheduled maintenance to have a qualified technician inspect their vehicle prior to a road trip.