Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and many will be looking forward to spending time off with their family and friends. That might require travel. AAA, the company in the know for all things driving, is expecting travel levels on the road to be pre-pandemic high.
Marie Dodds, the Director of Government and Public Affairs with AAA Oregon-Idaho, told KLCC to expect a “gangbusters” travel time, as AAA expects over 53 million Americans traveling for Thanksgiving. “This is up 13% from 2020, and it includes about 746,000 Oregonians heading over the river and through the woods for turkey and all the trimmings.”
Much of this enthusiasm for getting back on the roads can be laid at the feet of more people vaccinated and fewer new cases of COVID. Even the higher prices for gasoline aren’t impeding the fervor for getting out of town, and 90% of those traveling are assumed to be driving to their destinations.
If taking a plane, travelers can expect about 80% more people on the plane from last year. AAA is also seeing increases in both cruise and train tickets.
Our advice? Bring your masks and hand sanitizer, and expect delays everywhere. And, of course, drive safely and have fun.
By Sally K Lehman
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