Thanksgiving weekend is known for its busy congestion while on the road. Everyone is driving at the same time to make it home for dinner. However, there are ways to get there safely in time to cut the turkey!
Plan ahead to make Thanksgiving travel smoother and more enjoyable. Choose your travel dates, map out a route, and drive during off-peak hours. When you have these details ironed out, all you have to do on the day of departure is load the car up and hit the road.
Choose Your Travel Dates
Decide when your departure times will be going to and from dinner with your family. This is an important strategy because there is heavy traffic on Thanksgiving Day that can cause delays and unnecessary stress that is just no fun at all!
Consider leaving a day or two before and after the holiday. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. Avoid going anywhere on this day, if possible.
Choosing your dates ahead of time is also beneficial if you are traveling with multiple people. It gives you a more flexible schedule and a buffer of time that is not as likely during heavy traffic times. Plus, there is more time to stop along the way for snacks and breaks without feeling rushed. Less stress is more enjoyable for everyone – choose the dates that will be lighter.
Map Out a Route
Determining your route ahead of time has several benefits. It is advised to choose what is fastest and most efficient. This way, you save time and avoid unnecessary detours.
This strategy is also a good idea to get away from congested traffic areas. It is recommended to have a backup route as well. You don’t want to be stuck behind a fender bender when you are still quite a bit away from your destination.
Knowing your route ahead of time gives you the opportunity to anticipate rest stops and refueling on gas. Try to avoid using your GPS unless you have to. Everyone else has the same idea, but when you have knowledge of the area, you can take a lesser-known route.
Drive During Off-Peak Hours
There are advantages to driving during off-peak hours. Driving conditions will be safer and less stressful because there are fewer cars on the road. It also means arriving at your destination faster due to less congestion.
Leaving at a later time also gives you more moments with your family to enjoy the holiday. Don’t rush home if you don’t have to. That way, you can stay for a second piece of pumpkin pie.
Lastly, fewer cars on the road make for safer driving conditions. The likelihood of accidents and collisions is lowered because there is more space between drivers.
Thanksgiving travel has its risks during your time on the road. Does your insurance plan offer what you need should anything happen as you are en route? If you are considering changing your existing coverage, Freeway Car Insurance is a great option. They have a wide variety of plans (even if you don’t have the best driving record!) and are known to have customer service representatives that are helpful during every step along the way. Give them a call or visit their website for more information.
Think Ahead for Smoother Thanksgiving Travel
Planning Thanksgiving travel details sooner rather than later avoids stress and allows for more time with your family. Use proactive strategies like determining your days for travel, deciding on a few route options, and avoiding peak hours to make this holiday a memorable one. Get excited for all of the delicious foods and quality time that lie ahead!
