A lot of Americans will be traveling this Thanksgiving Holiday and that includes Oklahomans.
AAA predicts 50.9 million will take a trip 50 miles or longer which represents a 3.3 percent increase from a year ago. The organization says it will be the highest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2005 with 1.6 million more hitting the roads, flying or traveling by rail.
The West South Central Region which includes Oklahoma will see more than 5.2 million people taking trips. That’s a 2.7 percent increase in the past year and also represents the largest number of travelers since 2007. About 4.7 million or 90 percent will be traveling by car.
“Thanksgiving kicks off the start of a busy holiday season, and more Oklahomans and Americans overall will travel to spend time with friends and family this year,” said Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma Public and Government Affairs manager. “Nationally, a strong economy and labor market are generating rising incomes and higher consumer confidence, fueling a strong year for the travel industry, which will continue into the holiday season.”
Nationwide, 89 percent will take a road trip or about 45.5 million, 3.2 percent more than last year.
Those flying will find the cheapest average airfare since 2013. The number of fliers this Thanksgiving will also be up 5 percent.
A drawback to Holiday travel is the fact that drivers will pay the highest Thanksgiving gasoline prices since 2014.
“Oklahomans, too, are paying more at the pump this year, with the Oklahoma City average hovering at $2.25/gallon [on Nov. 16], compared to $1.78 for this same time last year,” AAA Oklahoma’s Gamble said. Tulsa’s average is $2.27/gallon up from $1.73 last year. Gamble noted that motorists can counteract some of the higher gas costs by gaining better gas mileage, however. “Make sure your car is tuned up, air filters replaced, tires properly inflated, and during your trip, lower your speed.”
Many travelers will seek theme-park and warm-weather destinations this Thanksgiving. Both Orlando, Fla., and Anaheim, Calif., top this year’s top 10 holiday destinations based on AAA.com bookings. Compared to previous years, New York City, Las Vegas and San Francisco are gaining popularity as holiday spots.
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Orlando, Florida
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Anaheim, California
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New York City, New York
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Honolulu, Hawaii
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Las Vegas, Nevada
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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Cancun, Mexico
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San Francisco, California
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Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida
