A woman walks with a suitcase outside an airport terminal, ready for travel.

How I Plan to Travel Stress-Free This Thanksgiving

ByWill Tracy

Thanksgiving travel is always a challenge, and this year, it’s shaping up to be busier than ever. According to AAA, nearly 79.9 million people are hitting the road or flying this holiday season—a new record! This is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and even more than pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. With so many of us trying to get to our loved ones, staying calm and prepared is key. Here’s how I’m approaching my travel this Thanksgiving with less stress and more success.

Hitting the Road
For trips under 200 miles, I’m choosing to drive. Road trips offer flexibility—you can leave on your own schedule and take breaks as needed. But I know that flexibility won’t help if I hit the Thanksgiving Eve traffic jam, so I’m planning to leave early to avoid the worst of it.

Before setting out, I’m making sure my car is in top shape. That means checking my tires, topping off all fluids, and testing my battery. If the battery shows any signs of age, I’ll replace it now rather than risk being stranded on the road. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping these checks can turn a smooth trip into a stressful ordeal.

Weather is another factor I’m keeping an eye on. Winter storms are expected in parts of California and the Northeast, bringing snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions. I’ll be checking the forecast right up until I leave and packing essentials like blankets, snacks, and a fully charged phone in case of delays.

On the road, I plan to stop every couple of hours to stretch and grab a coffee. Trying to power through an eight-hour drive without breaks isn’t just exhausting; it’s unsafe. I’ll also be mindful of where I fuel up—gas stations near highway exits are notoriously expensive, so driving just a mile or two further could save a few bucks.

Taking to the Skies
Flying this Thanksgiving? So am I! I know the airport is going to be packed, so my number one rule is to get there early. There’s no way I’m adding unnecessary stress by rushing through security or scrambling to find parking. In fact, I’ve already reserved my airport parking to ensure I have a spot. If you haven’t, you might need to park farther away and take a shuttle—plan for that extra time.

I’m also packing light. If I can avoid checking a bag, I will. A carry-on not only saves time but also eliminates the worry of lost luggage. To make sure I’m not caught off guard, I’ve double-checked the airline’s size and weight requirements for carry-ons.

While at the airport, I’ll do my best to stay patient and kind, especially with airline and airport staff. They’re dealing with thousands of travelers like me, and a little kindness goes a long way in making everyone’s day better.

Lastly, I’m keeping my schedule relaxed. By arriving at the airport with plenty of time, I can avoid the stress of rushing through check-in and security. It’s all about planning ahead and giving myself the breathing room to deal with any surprises.

Staying Calm and Enjoying the Journey
AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross puts it perfectly: “Everybody’s trying to get home for the holidays, so just be aware and try to be in your best spirits.” Whether I’m driving or flying, I’m reminding myself that travel is part of the holiday experience. With a little planning, patience, and positivity, I’m confident I’ll reach my destination with less stress and more joy.

If you’re traveling this Thanksgiving, I hope these tips help you too. Let’s all stay safe, enjoy the journey, and make the most of this time with our loved ones!