Worst Day To Travel By Car For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, a day to give thanks and be grateful for everything in our lives. It is also the busiest holiday of the year when it comes to traveling. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 54 million Americans travel for Thanksgiving each year, and a majority of them choose to travel by car.
However, not all days are created equal when it comes to driving on Thanksgiving. Some days are worse than others, and it's essential to know which day to avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time and without any hassle. In this article, we'll discuss the worst day to travel by car for Thanksgiving and some tips to make your trip as stress-free as possible.
Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
The day before Thanksgiving, also known as "Black Wednesday," is the worst day to travel by car for Thanksgiving. It's the busiest day of the year when it comes to road travel, and the highways are jam-packed with drivers heading to their Thanksgiving destinations.
The reasons for this heavy traffic are varied. Firstly, most people get off work early on Wednesday, making it convenient for them to leave and have a full day to travel. Secondly, many people choose to drive on Wednesday to avoid paying for an extra night in a hotel or because they want to spend more time with their family. Finally, some people may be traveling last minute, and Wednesday is the only day they can get off work.
To avoid the traffic and stress of driving on Wednesday, consider leaving early in the morning or late at night on Tuesday. This will help you avoid the rush-hour traffic and get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself, as the roads are usually much quieter on this day.
Tuesday Before Thanksgiving
While Wednesday is the worst day to travel by car for Thanksgiving, Tuesday before Thanksgiving is also a day to avoid. It's the second busiest day of the week, and the highways are packed with drivers getting a head start on their Thanksgiving travel plans.
The reasons for this heavy traffic are similar to those on Wednesday. Many people get off work early on Tuesday and decide to leave then to get ahead of the crowds. Others may be traveling last minute and choose to leave on Tuesday because they have to work on Wednesday.
To avoid the traffic and stress of driving on Tuesday, consider leaving on Monday if you can. This will help you avoid the rush-hour traffic and get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself or even Friday, as the roads are usually much quieter on those days.
Wednesday After Thanksgiving
While the day before Thanksgiving is the worst day to travel, the Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also a day to avoid. The end of the long weekend means that many people are headed home, and the highways are jam-packed with drivers.
The reasons for this heavy traffic are varied. Firstly, many people choose to leave on Wednesday to avoid the rush of travelers on Sunday. Secondly, some people may have had to work on Friday and choose to leave after work on Wednesday. Finally, some people may be traveling last minute, and Wednesday is the only day they can get off work.
To avoid the traffic and stress of driving on Wednesday after Thanksgiving, consider leaving on Thursday or Friday. This will help you avoid the rush-hour traffic and get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself, as the roads are usually much quieter on this day.
In Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and gratitude, but it can also be a time of stress and frustration when it comes to traveling. If you're planning to hit the road for Thanksgiving, it's essential to know the worst days to travel to avoid traffic and make your trip as stress-free as possible.
The worst day to travel by car for Thanksgiving is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, followed closely by the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. To avoid the traffic and stress of driving on these days, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself or leaving early in the morning or late at night on the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Remember, no matter which day you choose to travel, it's essential to plan ahead and be patient. Take breaks often to rest and re-energize yourself, and make sure to pack enough food and drinks to avoid unnecessary stops along the way. By following these tips, you can make your Thanksgiving travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
