Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and like most Americans, you probably have plans to travel. In fact, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more people have plans to travel for this Thanksgiving than for any other Thanksgiving since 2007.
AAA has predicted an astonishing 46 million Americans will be traveling this year from Wednesday, November 25th through Sunday, November 30th. Nine out of every 10 of these travelers will choose driving as their preferred mode of transportation, while 3.6 million will choose flying.
Regardless of your choice of transportation, delays will likely occur and frustration levels will likely rise.
Additionally, drivers are more likely to encounter traffic jams and car accidents this time of year as more holiday travelers take to the nation’s roadways.
Worst Cities for Holiday Travel
No matter how you look at it, holiday travel can be a very stressful experience. However, if you’re traveling to or from Los Angeles, Dallas or Philadelphia, for example, you may need to prepare yourself for excessively crowded roadways, longer airport lines and a plethora of highway detours.
According to recent data collected by Google Maps, Los Angeles, Dallas and Philadelphia top the list of the twenty-one worst cities for holiday travel.
Notably over-crowded, sluggish, and aggravating to travel in, the following cities also found a spot on Google Map’s 21 Worst Cities for Thanksgiving Travel:
- Washington D.C.
- San Francisco
- New York City
- Chicago
- Houston
- Austin
- Miami
- Tampa
- Denver
- Portland, Ore.
- Charlotte, N.C.
- Seattle
- Detroit
- Boston
- Pittsburgh
- St. Louis
- Honolulu
- Providence, R.I.
Helpful Tips If You’re Traveling by Plane
If you’re planning on flying this Thanksgiving (and especially if you’re planning on flying to any of the above-mentioned cities), it may be wise to download a flight travel “app” to your smartphone or tablet. Apps such as Google Flights, FlightAware or SkyScanner can help track any flight delays, cancellations or gate changes.
Additionally, the app FlightBoard can send updates to your mobile device regarding departure times of connecting flights, so you’re sure to catch all of your flights on time.
Or you can simply download the official app of your airline carrier which will allow you to get a boarding pass or re-book a flight if necessary.
Helpful Tips If You’re Traveling by Automobile
Most drivers begin their holiday travels on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. If at all possible, try traveling on Tuesday, or even on Thanksgiving Day. In doing so, you’re less likely to encounter congested highways and traffic jams, and you’re less likely to be involved in a car accident.
Additionally, the majority of holiday drivers choose Saturday to return home from their trip. Therefore, Sunday and Friday are the best options for a safer, easier and less stressful trip back home.
However you choose to travel this Thanksgiving, the lawyers and staff at Schmidt Kramer want you to keep safety in the forefront of your mind.
However, should you be the unfortunate victim of a holiday travel car accident, the car accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer will review your claim and fight to get you the justice you deserve.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out our form for a FREE CASE EVALUATION