PHOENIX, AZ – If you traveled last Thanksgiving at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, traffic in Phoenix will be very different this year, especially if you plan to travel by car. It is also likely that it will cost you more to get to your destination. And keep an eye out for an influx of visitors as Phoenix is among the top five most popular travel destinations in the United States this Thanksgiving according to the AAA. As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and US borders reopen to fully vaccinated international travelers, more than 53.4 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving, according to this year’s AAA travel forecast. The forecast means a 13 percent increase over 2020. This year’s forecast also reflects the highest increase in Thanksgiving travel in a year since 2005, bringing travel volume close to pre-2019 levels. “Now that the limits are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is back to the top of the list for Americans ready to hang out with loved ones for vacation, “said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a press release Prepare for both streets and airports to get noticeably busier this year, according to the auto club. While auto traffic is forecast to grow 8 percent in 2020, air traffic is forecast to grow by nearly 80 percent. Travel by bus or train is also expected to increase by a staggering 262 percent. Where do people go? AAA booking data shows that large cities and tropical destinations top the travel lists this Thanksgiving. And although gasoline was $ 1 more per gallon than it was at this point last year, 90 percent of people still plan to travel by car. Travel times Regardless of whether you plan to travel by plane, train, or car, those who do so in large cities are likely to face increased delays in areas where there are already traffic bottlenecks. Transportation analysis firm INRIX, in partnership with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst of traffic jams at the start of the vacation weekend as commuters leave work earlier and mingle with vacationers. In major subway areas in the United States, delays can more than double compared to typical travel times. Drivers in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City are likely to experience more than three times as many delays. Here’s a look at the best and worst travel times for Thanksgiving week and weekend in Phoenix, by day of the week: Wednesday Worst time: 12-8pm Best time: After 9pm Thursday Worst time: 12-3pm Best time: Before 11am Friday Worst Time: 1–4pm Best Time: Before 11am Saturday Worst Time: 2–7pm Best Time: Sunday Morning Worst Time: 1–7pm Best Time: Morning Travel Expenses Travelers are also likely to encounter higher costs and prices other changes compared to the previous year. AAA recommends travelers book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and other activities as early as possible as prices are unlikely to drop as vacation approaches. Air travel: Although air travel is experiencing a boom this year, AAA estimates the average lowest airfare will cost about $ 132, about 27.3 percent less than last year. Those looking to book last-minute trips can find the best fares about two weeks before Thanksgiving, but availability may be limited. Hotels: The cost of an overnight stay in mid-range hotels has increased by about 39 percent, with average room prices ranging from $ 137 to $ 172. Car Rental: Daily car rental prices averaged about $ 98, up 4 percent from last year. Travel Tips Planning ahead can avoid a number of travel problems, according to the AAA: Arrive at the airport early so you have enough time to pass long TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA recommends 2 hours before departure and 3 hours for international travel. Consider booking a flight outside of the main travel times to reduce waiting times. Hit the streets when there is less traffic and allow extra time as you travel to your destination. Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities as to where you are along your route and planned destination for local conditions and any restrictions that may apply. Minimize stops along the way. Pack meals, extra snacks, and drinks in addition to a roadside emergency kit. Follow public health instructions. Use face masks and remember to distance yourself socially. Wash your hands regularly and pack disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer to protect and monitor your health. Check with your hotel. Before each hotel stay, call to make sure your hotel is open and ask what precautions it is taking and what are its requirements to protect guests. For more helpful travel advice from AAA, please refer to the organization’s COVID-19 Travel Restriction Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. You can also use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and see which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels are open along your route.
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