Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Travel

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Preparing a lavish Thanksgiving feast can be taxing, as portrayed in “The Bear,” Season two, Episode six. However, for guests, the challenge often lies in reaching the dinner table. With no dedicated hotline for travel woes, guests must navigate their own way.

This Thanksgiving, an estimated 55.4 million people are set to travel over 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home, slightly more than last year, as per AAA’s forecast.

To alleviate travel hardships, consider the following advice:

On the Road Early

Over 49 million people are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving gatherings. Peak traffic is predicted on Wednesday, the eve of the holiday, particularly between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., as reported by INRIX, a provider of transportation data.

Megan Jones, senior actuary at Arity, warns of the dangers of distracted driving during traffic jams. She notes that steady traffic flow reduces phone distractions. However, she also cautions against holiday-induced speeding, especially over the weekend following Thanksgiving, urging drivers to remain vigilant.

Smooth Travels with Kids

Traveling with children can introduce unique challenges like managing backseat quarrels and preventing carsickness. Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician and parenting coach, advises against skipping meals before the journey. An empty stomach can worsen carsickness symptoms. She suggests ensuring everyone is well-fed and hydrated, minimizing screen time, opening windows for fresh air, and encouraging horizon gazing.

Flying with Compassion

Around 4.7 million people are expected to fly, the highest figure since 2005, says AAA. Sheryl Skaggs, a sociology professor, emphasizes empathy in crowded airports and planes. She suggests patience with fellow travelers, including those who are not frequent flyers.

Skaggs, who studied nearly 1,000 cases of passenger misconduct, highlights alcohol as a major factor in disruptive behavior. She advises passengers to alert flight attendants of any concerns.

Navigating Emotional Landscapes

Thanksgiving travel can also be emotionally taxing, with complex family dynamics and disrupted routines, says Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth of The Jed Foundation. To mitigate holiday anxiety, she recommends mental preparation and proactive planning for potential family conflicts, advocating for a premeditated approach to challenging interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thanksgiving Travel Tips

More about Thanksgiving Travel Tips

• Thanksgiving Traffic Projections
• Managing Carsickness in Children
• Air Travel During Thanksgiving
• Emotional Well-Being During Holidays