AAA Travel projects 46.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving weekend, the highest volume for the holiday since 2007 and a 4.2 percent increase over 2013. Almost 90 percent of travelers (41.3 million) will celebrate the holiday with a road trip and will enjoy the lowest gas prices in nearly four years. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30.

• Road trippers will pay the lowest price for fuel in nearly four years with prices locally averaging less than $3.00 per gallon.

• More than 89 percent of travelers (41.3 million) will travel by automobile, a 4.3 percent increase from 39.6 million last year.

• Air travel for Thanksgiving is expected to be at the highest level since 2007, with 3.55 million Americans taking to the skies.

• The average distance traveled this Thanksgiving will be 549 miles roundtrip and Americans will spend an average of $573 during the holiday weekend.

• Travelers from New England tend to stay a little closer to home than some other parts of the country; however the region will still see a 3.9 percent in overall travel compared to 2013.

“This year, more Americans will give thanks for the opportunity to travel to friends and family than any year since 2007,” Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs said in a statement. “Americans are more optimistic about the future as improvements in several key economic factors, including employment, GDP and disposable income, are boosting consumer confidence and the desire to travel.” 

“Holiday joy has come early this year with Americans paying the lowest gas prices since 2010. Lower prices are increasing disposable income and enabling families to carve out more money from household budgets for travel this Thanksgiving,” added Mr. Albert.

The national price of gasoline has fallen below $3.00 per gallon for the first time since Dec. 22, 2010, a welcome gift for travelers as they head into the busy holiday travel season. AAA predicts most U.S. travelers will pay the cheapest Thanksgiving gas prices in four years. More than 89 percent (41.3 million) of holiday travelers will drive to their destination, a 4.3 percent increase from 2013.