- aaa has released its annual holiday travel predictions, saying it expects 3 percent more travelers going 50 miles or more as compared to last year.
- some areas could see delays leading to trips taking up to four times longer, the travel group says.
- reasons for the added travel include a good economy and cheap gas prices.
it doesn't matter how many times we have to be reminded that thanksgiving and its eve are the worst days of the year to travel, we're still going to do it. and this year, americans are going to travel 50 miles or farther at the highest rates since 2005, aaa predicts, with a nearly 3 percent increase from last year and the 11th straight yearly increase.
of the 55 million americans venturing at least 50 miles for turkey day, 49.3 million of them will be on the road. inrix, a transportation analytics company, and aaa predict that there will be travel delays the entire week with a peak on wednesday, the day before thanksgiving. as commuters mix with travelers on that day, some areas could see delays leading to trips taking up to four times longer.
the most severe delays will occur between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on wednesday, according to aaa, but that varies by city. when you're sitting in traffic tomorrow afternoon, you can blame a good economy and cheap gas prices for getting people out and traveling for the holiday.