Dayton, Ohio – As families prepare to reunite for Thanksgiving, AAA projects that 79.9 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday travel period. This year’s projection marks a significant increase, with 1.7 million more travelers than last year and 2 million more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Record-Breaking Holiday Travel
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. She emphasized that the holiday continues to serve as a prime opportunity for Americans to reconnect, with travel demand surging in the post-pandemic era.
The rise in travel numbers reflects the nation’s growing enthusiasm for new adventures and memorable experiences. Families are eager to make up for lost time, with more travelers hitting the roads, boarding planes, and even booking cruises than ever before.
Key Travel Insights
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released a travel forecast for Dayton, Ohio, to help residents plan their journeys during the Thanksgiving period. The forecast highlights specific days and times when traffic congestion is expected to peak:
- Sunday, November 27: Standard traffic all day.
- Monday, November 25: Heavy traffic from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 26: Moderate traffic during morning hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and evening hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 27: Heavy traffic from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day (November 28): Light traffic all day, making it the ideal time for travel.
Drivers returning home after the holiday should note that Monday, December 2, is expected to see heavy traffic from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel
AAA and ODOT encourage travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. Whether driving, flying, or cruising, holiday travelers can expect busy roads and bustling airports as millions of Americans embark on Thanksgiving adventures.
