A brighter economic climate and extremely low gas prices are contributing to the increase in travelers.
Low gas prices are fueling more Americans to drive long distances to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
The current average cost for a gallon of regular gas in Connecticut is $2.25, according to ConnecticutGasPrices.com, compared to about $3.72 per gallon on Thanksgiving three years ago.
AAA estimates that 46.9 million Americans will journey by car, plane, bus or train 50 miles or more from home during the long holiday weekend. Of those, almost 42 million will travel by car.
A brighter economic climate and extremely low gas prices are contributing to the increase in travelers. According to Susan Hiltz, AAA's spokeswoman in Michigan, Americans prefer traveling by car because it provides greater control of budget costs, and allows them to decide how far to travel, and how long to stay. Some will still decide to fly rather than drive to their destinations.
"Auto travel volume tends to be evenly spread out over the five-day holiday, but airports are especially busy on Wednesday and Sunday," Hiltz said.
Please celebrate responsibly this Thanksgiving! Remember to choose a designated driver. https://t.co/FpQv1NQX6b pic.twitter.com/FeaQtzQGZZ
— AAA Hartford (@AAAHartford) November 25, 2015
AAA is advising drivers not to drink and drive for a safe holiday weekend.
Leyda Quast is an intern at WNPR. This report includes information from The Associated Press.
