Monday, November 25, 2024
Holiday travel in the Boston area this Thanksgiving is set to hit record levels, with AAA Northeast projecting a surge in road and air travel.
Compounding the usual holiday congestion, the possibility of a significant storm could further complicate travel plans in New England.
Record-Setting Holiday Travel Expected
According to AAA Northeast, Thanksgiving 2024 will see an estimated 71.7 million Americans traveling by car, up by 1.3 million from 2023.
This marks a record for Thanksgiving road trips, reflecting a broader trend of increased travel throughout the year.
Earlier holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July also experienced heightened traffic compared to previous years.
Air travel is also expected to soar, with 2024 shaping up to be a banner year for holiday travel across all modes of transportation.
Best and Worst Times to Travel
For drivers, timing is key to avoiding the worst of Thanksgiving traffic.
Jillian Young, Director of Public Relations for AAA Northeast, advises that the lightest traffic will be on Thanksgiving Day itself, making it the best time to hit the road.
Before Thanksgiving:
- Worst Times: Monday and Wednesday from 1-5 p.m., and Tuesday from 1-7 p.m.
- Best Times: Monday before 11 a.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday before 10 a.m.
After Thanksgiving:
- Worst Times: Friday from 7-10 a.m., Saturday from 4-8 p.m., Sunday from 12-6 p.m., and Monday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Best Times: After 1 p.m. on Friday, and before 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, driving is easiest before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Potential Storm Adds Complexity
A looming storm could disrupt Thanksgiving week travel in the Northeast.
Drivers are urged to prepare their vehicles ahead of time, particularly if they may encounter inclement weather. Young suggests checking wiper blades, headlights, and other essentials before hitting the road.
“One of the things that you can do now, just in case you are going to be traveling in a storm, is check your wiper blades and headlights,” Young said.
“With the dry spell we’ve had, many people haven’t used their wipers recently, so now’s the time to ensure they’re functioning properly.”
Gas Prices and the Resilience of Holiday Travel
While gas prices in the Boston area are approximately 40 cents lower than this time last year, Young emphasizes that fuel costs don’t significantly deter holiday travelers. “Even when gas prices are up, people rarely cancel their holiday travel plans,” she noted.
“The holidays are a time when people prioritize seeing loved ones, even if it means paying a little more.”
Key Takeaway
As Boston prepares for record-breaking Thanksgiving travel, planning ahead will be critical for a smoother journey. By avoiding peak travel times, preparing for potential weather disruptions, and ensuring vehicles are road-ready, travelers can better navigate one of the busiest weeks of the year.
