Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Decrease in MA This Year

Thursday, November 21, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Travel originating from the New England region is expected to drop 2.5 percent compared to last Thanksgiving, according to AAA.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving may be the busiest travel day of the year, but Central Massachusetts drivers may be in store for some relief, according to AAA Southern New England. In fact, AAA is projecting that travel originating from New England is expected to decline 2.5 percent over the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday.

Specifically, travel by automobile is expected to fall by 2.7 percent, while air travel is forecasted to decline by three percent. Approximately 12.9 percent of the New England population is expected to travel during Thanksgiving.

The slight decline in travel originating from New England is reflective of the larger national trend, according to AAA Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs Lloyd P. Albert.

“While the economy continues to improve, the sluggish pace of the recovery is creating uncertainty in the minds of some consumers and therefore AAA is projecting a slight decline in the number of Thanksgiving travelers this year,” said Albert. “On a positive note travel volumes are expected to remain well-above 2008 and 2009 levels when the recession caused a drop in travelers of more than 25 percent.”

2013 AAA Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast Highlights

Thanksgiving travelers to total 43.4 million, a decrease of 1.5 percent from the 44 million who traveled last year
Ninety percent of travelers or 38.9 million to travel by automobile, a decline of 1.6 percent
Median spending expected to drop nearly seven percent to $465, compared to $498 last year.
The Thanksgiving holiday is a less expensive holiday for travelers compared to other holidays. This year Labor Day spending was expected to be $804, Independence Day $749 and Memorial Day $659.
Holiday air travel to decline 3.7 percent to 3.14 million travelers from 3.26 million in 2012
Average distance traveled to increase to 601 miles from 588 miles.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be the busiest single day of travel with 37 percent of travelers departing for trips Nov. 27.

The Impact Gasoline Prices

According to the survey, Central Massachusetts drivers, as well as other motorists throughout the country, will enjoy the cheapest gas prices since 2010. The national average is at the cheapest level of the year and should continue to drop in the weeks ahead. The decreased cost of gas will provide consumers with real savings that could be used for other purposes on the trip.

The current price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Massachusetts is $3.340 as of November 20, 2013.

AAA Southern New England

AAA Southern New England provides roadside assistance, as well as information related to insurance, travel, financial services, discounts, and automotive services to its members. It currently serves members in Rhode Island, and numerous counties throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

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