AAA forecasts increase in Thanksgiving travelers

Category: News
Published: 2021-11-17
AAA forecasts increase in Thanksgiving travelers

U.S. – According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this year, airports and highways may appear crowded, as the agency estimates 53.4 million people will travel for the Thanksgiving vacation, which would be 13% more than in 2020.

The above brings travel volume to within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost fully recovering from its dramatic drop during the health contingency, up 80% from last year.

As restrictions continue to lift and consumer confidence increases, AAA urges travelers to be proactive in making their travel plans this vacation season.

“This Thanksgiving, travel will be much different than last year. Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again a priority for Americans who are ready to join their loved ones for the vacations,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.

With 6.4 million more people traveling this Thanksgiving, along with the recent opening of U.S. borders to fully vaccinated international travelers, people should prepare for roads and airports to be noticeably more crowded.

Twidale explained that reopening international travel will allow people to reconnect with friends and family, as well as explore new places, while providing a needed boost to the economy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its recommendations for holiday gatherings and related travel, saying the best way to minimize the risk of Covid-19 is to get vaccinated if you qualify.

This year’s forecast marks the largest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005, which will bring travel volume close to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Despite gas costing more than a dollar more per gallon than this time last year, 90% of people plan to travel by car as their preferred mode of travel. While the automobile remains the most popular choice, a good proportion will opt to travel by air and other modes such as bus, train or cruise.

The most in-demand travel destinations of 2021, within the U.S. territory were Orlando, Florida; Anaheim, California; Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii; Kahului, Maui; Atlanta, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; and Lauderdale, Florida.

On the other hand, the international destinations with the highest demand during 2021 were: Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Aruba; Los Cabos, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; St. Lucia, West Indies; Dublin, Ireland; Tel Aviv, Israel; Calgary, Canada; and Paris, France.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff