Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather around the dinner table with family and friends. However, getting to your destination can be a hassle and sometimes quite costly. Do you fly, drive, take a bus, or catch a train? Devoting a little time and effort to planning your Thanksgiving travel will help things go smoothly.
Start by searching for travel deals online. Consider a variety of options, including taking the bus, railroad, or driving as an alternative to flying. Closely comparing the cost of transportation in terms of price and hassle may yield interesting results. Many companies offer some "discounted" tickets close to the holidays to capitalize on the high quantity of travelers. However, beware of hidden costs like baggage and security fees. And take time to consider additional costs that may arise during the course of your travel like food. A $200 plane ticket may sound like an excellent buy compared to spending $220 in gas money and food stops while driving. However, if going by plane also means paying $75 in baggage fees and another $25 to eat at the airport during your layover, driving is the better option.
Much of the hassle of holiday traveling can be avoided simply by allowing some flexibility to your travel plans. The busiest days of travel for Thanksgiving week are Wednesday and Thursday. If your schedule is flexible, try leaving earlier in the week before the rush. The same goes for your return trip. Most revelers either leave to return home late Thursday or stay for a long weekend and leave Sunday. If you can schedule your return home for early in the weekend or the beginning of the next week, you are likely to encounter fewer problems. Plus, traveling on low-traffic days tends to be less expensive. Booking tickets early (at least a week in advance) for the Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week with a return date early in the next week can be almost half the price of purchasing tickets for the rush period.
Finally, keep yourself healthy. Traveling can be stressful when you're in perfect heath. It can be downright hellish if you're ill since you're more likely to be sluggish, distracted, and irritable. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, avoid people who are currently sick (if possible), and begin taking care of yourself at the first signs of illness.
Despite what happens during your holiday travels, take a deep breath and try to relax. After all, there are family, friends, and good food waiting on the other side.
