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Thanksgiving is here, marking the official kickoff to the holiday season! For many Americans, Thanksgiving weekend is the beginning of festive traditions: visiting family, exploring dazzling Christmas light displays and diving into holiday shopping.
This year, more than 132 million Americans—nearly 51% of adults—plan to travel to a vacation destination or holiday gathering, making 2024 one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record.
At Axcet HR Solutions, we understand the importance of safety and planning, especially during high-demand travel times. Our team of health and safety experts in risk management is here to provide tips and resources to help you navigate the holiday travel season safely.
Whether by car or plane, here’s your guide to stress-free Thanksgiving travel.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28, marking the start of a long weekend when millions of Americans travel to celebrate with family and friends.
With so many hitting the road or taking to the skies, timing is key to avoiding congestion.
Here’s a breakdown of the busiest travel days and tips to make your journey smoother:
The day before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest for both roads and airports, especially in the afternoon and evening, as travelers begin their holiday trips.
As people head home, the Sunday following Thanksgiving is expected to be crowded, particularly in the afternoon, with heavy airport and road traffic.
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Planning a Thanksgiving road trip? Here’s how to avoid the worst traffic:
Wednesday, November 27
Thanksgiving Day, November 28
Friday, November 29 (Black Friday)
Sunday, December 1
In addition to planning your departure time to avoid the rush, consider these road trip holiday travel safety tips:
Ensure your vehicle is ready by checking tire pressure, fluids and wipers. Carry a spare key and an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, blankets and a flashlight.
Apps like Waze and Google Maps help you stay ahead of traffic with real-time updates.
Bring water and snacks to keep energy levels up. A well-packed car, including essentials like chargers and hand sanitizer, ensures a more comfortable trip.
Long drives can be tiring. Trade off with another driver if possible, and take breaks every couple of hours to rest. If you’re driving alone, pull over at a safe, well-lit location if you feel fatigued, and avoid isolated areas.
With high demand for flights this season, it’s essential to plan and prepare to avoid delays and ensure a smooth airport experience. Here are some tips:
Early booking helps secure better rates, and morning flights tend to be less affected by delays.
Travel insurance is valuable during peak seasons. Scheduling longer layovers provides extra time for connections if flights are delayed.
Arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Use your airline’s app to track bags and access updates.
Pre-screening programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry help reduce wait times in security.
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Thanksgiving Eve, commonly referred to as "Blackout Wednesday," has gained a reputation as one of the most popular nights for social gatherings and celebrations. With many people returning to their hometowns to reconnect with friends and family, bars and restaurants often see a surge in patrons on this night. Unfortunately, this increase in festivities also brings heightened risks on the road.
Law enforcement agencies across the country report a rise in alcohol-related incidents on Thanksgiving Eve, making it one of the most dangerous nights for impaired driving. For your safety and the safety of others, consider these tips:
As a trusted partner in safety and risk management, Axcet HR Solutions encourages everyone to prioritize safety during the holidays. By planning ahead and making responsible decisions, you can help ensure a joyous and safe Thanksgiving for yourself and your loved ones.
At Axcet HR Solutions, our team of safety experts is committed to helping our clients stay safe, whether at work or on the road. As Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, we hope these travel tips help make your journey smooth, safe and joyful. From all of us at Axcet HR Solutions, happy travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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