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Thanksgiving Travel Up
11/24/09 - 10:16 PM
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Thanksgiving is almost here and as the economy gets stronger, AAA says more people are traveling.  They are forecasting close to 2 million people on the roads in Florida alone.

“It’s too expensive to fly,” said traveler John Dearmon.

Less people in the air, means more on the roads.  Even with higher gas prices, an average of 50 cents more a gallon than this time last year, car travel over Thanksgiving is expected to go up 2.1% over last Thanksgiving, while air travel is expected to decrease by 6.7%.  Thanksgiving air travel has plunged a whopping 62% since 2000. 

But that means you need to prepare for the traffic.

“I think we’re going to take the back way home because I’ve traveled on Thanksgiving weekend before and it’s been rough,” said traveler Larry Grimes.

One Panama City mother-daughter duo decided to travel before Thanksgiving to miss the rush.

“We like to travel safe and we did not want to have to fight with the Thanksgiving holiday traffic this year,” said pre- holiday traveler Teresa Helms.

But some say they are staying home to save some cash.

“With gas prices and the economy right now I don’t want to travel,” said Panama City resident Alec Kotrous.

The Florida Highway Patrol says they are increasing their presence to get ready for the surge.

They suggest you get plenty of rest, plan for extra time, and avoid driving right after your turkey dinner.  As always they suggest no texting and driving and no drinking and driving.

But whatever you do pack your patience.