For the second year in a row, an all-time record number of residents in the Pacific states are projected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA Hawaii. AAA predicts 9.9 million residents of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Washington and Oregon will travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period this year – a 3% increase from last year’s record number of travelers and also a 3% increase from 2019, the last Thanksgiving holiday before the pandemic.
Nationwide, AAA is projecting this Thanksgiving to be the third busiest on record, with 55.4 million travelers expected compared to 58.6 million in 2005 and 56 million in 2019.
The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five days from Wednesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 26.
By the Numbers
“Thanksgiving is one of the more popular holidays for people to travel to see family and friends so they can take part in annual traditions like turkey dinners and Black Friday shopping,” said Jenna Miller, AAA Hawaii’s vice president for travel products and services. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast reflects people’s ongoing desire to get away and spend time with their loved ones.”
Hawaii Is A Top Destination For U.S. Travelers
Warm weather destinations, theme parks, and cruise port cities will be among the most popular destinations this holiday season. Nationally, AAA expects Florida cities, New York City, and Hawaii to be among the top U.S. destinations and internationally, some top destinations will include Cancun, Punta Cana, and European cities like Rome, Paris and London.
Gas Prices
Hawaii drivers are getting a break at the pump compared to last Thanksgiving, with gas prices averaging 20 to 50 cents lower per gallon than this time last year. For those traveling to other U.S. states, gas prices have been dropping and averages are currently ranging from under $3 a gallon in many Southern states to just over $5 a gallon in California. To find the cheapest gas prices closest to your location, use the AAA Mobile app, and visit gasprices.aaa.com to find the average gas prices at your destination or calculate the estimated gas cost for your Thanksgiving trip.
Travel Tips
- If traveling by automobile, make sure your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date and your tires and battery are in good condition. If you need some help getting your vehicle road trip ready, visit AAA.com/AAR to find a reputable AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility near you.
- Air travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of time for international departures. The Auto Club recommends people who drive themselves ot the airport to reserve a parking space to make sure you have one, download your airline’s app and check-in for your flight at home to avoid long lines at kiosks in the terminal.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.
Don't forget to mention us on Instagram @aaaautoclubenterprises and Facebook @aaaautoclubenterprises