Thanksgiving Travel Survival Guide: 5 Tips for Hitting the Road Safely This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, with over 43 million Americans expected to hit the road to visit friends and family. Here are some quick facts to keep in mind as you prepare for your holiday journey:

• Record travel volume: This year’s Thanksgiving travel is expected to hit a seven-year high.
• Average distance: Travelers will cover an average of 549 miles roundtrip this holiday season.
• Safety alert: Thanksgiving is the deadliest day of the year on U.S. roads, so drive cautiously and never drive under the influence.

With traffic jams almost as common as turkey at the dinner table, proper planning is essential. Here are five tips to help you navigate the holiday travel rush and enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip.

1. Timing is Everything

Avoiding peak travel times can save you hours of frustration. Here’s when to expect the worst traffic:

• Wednesday evening (4–7 PM): Highways are packed as people leave work and school.
• Thanksgiving morning (8–11 AM): Many hit the road early to make it to Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Sunday afternoon: Travelers returning home create long delays on major routes.

Plan to leave earlier or later than these peak windows to dodge traffic and make the journey more enjoyable.

2. Choose Alternate Routes

Major highways can be a nightmare during the holidays, especially if there’s an accident or heavy congestion. Consider these alternatives:

• Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps to monitor real-time traffic.
• Opt for scenic backroads or smaller highways to bypass the crowds.
• Map out alternate routes in advance to ensure you have options if your primary route is blocked.

A creative approach to route planning can save time and stress.

3. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Holiday travel often brings unpredictable weather and delays. Pack an emergency travel kit to stay ready for anything:

• Warm jackets or blankets
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A fully charged phone and car charger
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• A basic first-aid kit

Being prepared can turn a potential problem into a minor inconvenience.

4. Winterize Your Vehicle

If you’re traveling to colder regions, ensure your car is ready for winter conditions:

• Check your tires for proper pressure and tread depth—consider winter tires for better traction.
• Top off essential fluids like antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
• Test your car battery to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Inspect your windshield wipers for wear.

A well-prepared vehicle can make all the difference for a safe journey.

5. Keep Passengers Entertained

Long road trips can be challenging, especially with kids in the car. Here’s how to keep everyone happy:

• For kids: Pack activity books, sketchpads, or small toys. Encourage them to create Thanksgiving cards for relatives.
• For adults: Load up on audiobooks, podcasts, or a favorite road trip playlist.
• Driver alertness: Get plenty of sleep before your trip and keep coffee or tea handy for a mid-drive energy boost.

Keeping everyone entertained and engaged makes the journey more enjoyable for all.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and preparation, your Thanksgiving road trip can be safe, smooth, and enjoyable. Avoid peak travel times, prep your vehicle, and pack wisely to ensure a stress-free holiday journey.

Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels!