The Most Thanksgiving Travelers In Years

Skipping town this Thanksgiving? Join the crowd. About 42.5 million Americans will be traveling this Thanksgiving holiday. That's a four percent increase from last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

In Virginia, that means 1.3 million residents of the Commonwealth will be away from Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 27. 

“While not yet back to pre-recession numbers, 2011 marks the fourth straight year of growth in the number of travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Despite higher gas prices, pent up demand from the past three years and the desire to create lasting family memories seem to be overshadowing fears about our nation’s economic uncertainly as many are expected to choose family and friends over frugality.” 

On The Road 

This year, 92% of travelers will take cars to their Thanksgiving destination, and the average distance traveled is 700 miles.  

Nationwide, about 37.8 million Americans traveled for the Thanksgiving holidays in 2008, a 10-year low. The national average for the price of a gallon of gasoline is $3.39. That's 50 cents higher than this time last year. 

In The Air 

AAA estimates that 89,000 Virginians will fly during the holidays, a 1.7% increase from last year. Airfare is about 20% more expensive than last year. 

At The Hotel

Expect rates at hotels to increase by about six percent this year "with travelers spending an average of $145 per night compared to $136 last year," according to AAA. "Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay seven percent more at an average cost of $103 per night. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $37, an 11% decrease from one year ago."

Happy Thanksgiving!