Road Trip Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Learn tips to have a safe and enjoyable road trip.
The holidays are a special time of year to gather with family and friends to enjoy one another’s company over a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, it was reported that roughly 50 million people would hit the road to travel to their holiday destination over the Thanksgiving weekend.
As one of the busiest times of the year to travel in the U.S., in addition to packing your suitcases, you’ll want to pack your patience. Additionally, consider following these tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable road trip.
Do Pre-Planning
Map your road trip before your departure day. This way, you have a general idea of where you’re going and how long it’ll take to get there. Using a GPS navigator that tracks live road conditions is helpful or, if your car has built-in navigation, this is a good option too. If you encounter an accident or other road obstruction, if necessary, you can quickly adapt your route.
To stay safe, during the days leading up to your trip, keep a close daily watch on the weather. In late November, many areas of the U.S. might experience rain, snow, sleet, ice, hail, or other wintry or wet weather. Weather patterns can also shift, which can impact your trip. If you’re traveling a long distance that might go through mountains with cooler temperatures (higher chance of snow/ice) or flood-prone areas, you’ll want to be aware of it.
If possible, have an alternative route ready in case of poor weather or bad traffic conditions. Additionally, if traveling on toll roads, have your toll pass funded. Some places take coins for tolls, but many states have eliminated booths, instead tracking vehicles by license plate and mailing a bill to pay. Keep in mind, billed tolls usually cost more.
Try to Beat Traffic
Major thoroughfares across the U.S. will be jam-packed with cars on Thanksgiving weekend. You can avoid much of the traffic by planning to leave early. Since the Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving Day are typically the busiest, try to leave on Monday. If this isn’t possible, plan to leave in the early morning hours before the crowds get on the road. Most people drive to their destinations between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., so it's best to avoid those hours.
On the way home, Sunday will be the absolute busiest. Every year, statistics indicate the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the heaviest travel day of the year and chances are, no matter when you leave, you will encounter traffic. If you can leave on Saturday, Monday, or beyond, these days are most likely your best bet.
Traffic is not only frustrating and delays your trip, but it tends to also lead to more accidents, along with stress on your physical and mental well-being. Staying off the roads during peak hours makes you less apt to run into distracted or impatient drivers.
Prep Your Car
Before any road trip, it’s a good idea to prep your car to ensure it’s safe to make your journey. This way, you’re ready if the unexpected occurs.
- Schedule an inspection
- Check your tires (consider having them rotated)
- Replace tires if tread is worn
- Clean your car to make it more comfortable
- Top off all fluids, including oil, transmission, brake, and windshield wiper
- Change oil, if necessary
- Fill your gas tank to full
Also, make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked and stowed in an accessible place. Items to include are blankets, a First Aid kit, water bottles, road flares, batteries, and a flashlight. You may also want to consider non-perishable foods.
Take Stretch Breaks
Sitting in the car for long periods can lead to soreness in your body or a drain on your brain. By stopping every 2–3 hours, even briefly, you can quickly rejuvenate your body and mind, along with keeping your blood circulation going. If possible, plot your stops ahead of time so you can have stretch breaks coincide with restroom, gas, or meal stops.
Consider Prevagen to Support Healthy Brain Function
Thanksgiving is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful, especially when traveling. Getting plenty of rest before your trip and being in good physical health can help remove some of the stresses of traveling during a busy holiday weekend. You may want to consider adding Prevagen , which is formulated with the unique ingredient apoaequorin, to your daily routine to support brain function. Come learn what others are saying!