Thanksgiving travel: Are people still going to grandma’s house?
Thanksgiving may not be about the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving travel trends may not involve a traditional trip to grandma’s house.
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, travel is a popular topic. From the best time to book holiday travel to the best destination, travelers are preparing for a busy season. According to Skyscanner, “more than 20 million passengers are planning to fly to a destination this season.” But are these people heading on vacation or to grandma’s house for a family gathering.
While it may be a poor generalization, some people don’t want to spend long durations with extended family. The classic holiday movie often shows a disgruntled family seated around the holiday table. Of course, these scenarios are fictional, but some part of the situation is based in reality. Given these overstatements, would Thanksgiving travel to grandma’s house be long or short?
Looking at the compiled data, the biggest change to Thanksgiving travel is duration. According to the reports, travelers are more likely to book an extended trip and the most popular travel itinerary dates are Saturday to Saturday travel. While travel costs could have impacted that travel decision, it may not be the only factor. The longer duration could signal a vacation destination not a family related getaway.
Travel is always busy during the holiday season. Truthfully would people want to deal with busy airports, congested roads and crabby passengers for just any getaway? In today’s busy world, people want to unwind, relax and decompress. While any break from the normal day to day can be appreciated, some destinations are more conducive to that break scenario.
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images,)
In a separate survey conducted by CheapOAir, the most popular domestic travel destination for Thanksgiving is Austin, Texas. The eclectic Texas capital offers great food, music and entertainment. The city’s appeal is broad. From millennials to baby boomers, Austin welcomes them all.
With this additional fact, the Thanksgiving travel destination seems more about leisure than family. The longer travel duration and popular vacation destination show that travelers are looking to escape for the November holiday. The traditional turkey around grandma’s table isn’t the priority this year. People want to recharge from their busy lives.
Surely grandma, and family, can’t be completely forgotten. Although these surveys don’t directly address the scenario, the travel trends show that more people are traveling. With lower air fares and many travel deals, people are more willing to brave the crowded holiday travel season. Maybe the trip to grandma’s house comes during the December holidays versus Thanksgiving.
Next: When is the best time to book holiday travel?
Whether upcoming Thanksgiving travel destination is grandma’s house or someplace else, bring lots of patience over the holiday travel period. Larger crowds during the busy travel times can test anyone’s nerves. Still, try to remember a little holiday spirit and be kind towards others. After all, grandma would tell you to be nice.