Traveling for Thanksgiving? Be prepared

More than 45 million expected to hit the road this weekend

If you are planning to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, be ready for traffic.

According to AAA, there are a projected 50.9 million Americans planning to travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, a 3.3 percent increase over last year. Of those, AAA estimates that 45.5 million people will be on the roads, with the rest traveling by plane, train, bus or cruise.

The action is an indication that the economy is on the upswing, AAA reports, as people are traveling despite the fact that higher gas prices are expected. AAA notes that during peak travel times, delays are expected to be quite lengthy. In Chicago, for example, during peak travel, officials expect it to take three times as long. In Los Angeles and San Francisco during peak travel times, officials say the delay could be 2.5 times as long as normal.

And because Los Angeles is a possible driving destination for Yumans, AAA says the city is home to the top travel hotspot – Interstate 5 at the Valley View Avenue exit. So be prepared Yuma, if you are headed that way.

If you plan on going somewhere, give yourself some extra travel time.

AAA recommends having your car and tires inspected before hitting the road, to be sure your car is ready for action.

Take snacks, drinks and entertainment, such as an audiobook that the whole family can enjoy. Toss in some pillows and soft blankets to help passengers stay comfortable.

Also, even if you know your route by heart, use a smartphone app such as Google Maps, which can reroute one around potential traffic snarls and issues. (And don’t forget your car cellphone charger, because those apps can drain a phone battery!).

But above all, be patient. Losing one’s cool in a traffic jam isn’t going to make the traffic move any faster — it’s only going to raise one’s blood pressure.

Plan for delays, take it easy, and reach your destination safely!

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?