AAA projects more than 1.1 million Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period between Nov. 22 to 25.
This year’s forecast is the third highest on record, with an expected 25,672 (2.4%) more holiday travelers than last year.
“Travel demand has been strong all year and that trend will continue with one of the busiest Thanksgivings on record,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails and sea; travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals. ”
Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA predicts over 961,000 Wisconsinites will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s nearly 14,000 more drivers (+2.4%) than last year.
Thanksgiving road trips should be less costly at the gas pump this year. Last Thanksgiving, the national average price for gasoline was $3.58 per gallon, while the state average was $3.23. Prices this November have averaged $3.14 in Wisconsin and have been steadily falling. The busiest driving day is expected to be Nov. 22.
AAA expects over 113,515 Wisconsinites to fly for Thanksgiving. That’s over 8,700 (8.3%) more than 2022, which had also been a record setting year. Air travel could be complicated if the U.S. Congress fails to pass a spending bill by Nov. 18. A government shutdown would result in federal employees including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration staff to work without pay.
Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.
The number of Wisconsinites traveling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is projected to increase 11% over last year. AAA expects nearly 30,000 travelers to head out of town using these other modes of transportation, which suffered a severe setback during the pandemic, but have rebounded nicely.
“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback, and thrives during the holidays,” Haas added. “Holiday cruises are highly sought-after as a means for large families to travel together and visit multiple destinations without having to worry about the cooking and cleanup. For those looking to plan a 2024 vacation, this is also a great time to connect with a Travel Advisor, who can navigate the many options available to find the best fit.”
