Driving Still Favored for Thanksgiving Travel - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Driving Still Favored for Thanksgiving Travel

For many people, traveling is just as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as stuffing and pumpkin pie.

Trip Advisor's survey of travelers this year found that whether by car or plane, the numbers are slightly up.

"Typically for Thanksgiving they're usually going to visit family or Disney, like a family oriented trip," said Lisa Cappabianca of Cappabianca Travel.

For her agency, Thanksgiving time is the calm before the storm of winter vacations amidst Erie blizzards.

"Typically we'll slow down from now until the holidays, and then once January hits people are ready to start planning their winter escapes," she said.

Despite rising airfare, more people will be flying to their Turkey Day destinations this year compared to last. The upward trend is due in part to an improving economy.

"It was on a little bit of a down slide and we've seen it kind of uptick a little over the last couple years," said Cappabianca. "It seems to be the economy's improving a lot, people are kind of more savvy in finding better airfare deals."

According to the survey, the majority of people nationwide will still be driving; 58 percent, compared to 38 percent flying.

Some drive long hours for their turkey, because flying simply isn't an option.

"We take so much stuff with us," said Charlene Schroeck, who is traveling 11 hours by car to visit her daughters. "So it would cost us a fortune for the extra suitcases."

"We kind of pack up our car like the Beverly Hillbillies I guess," said Mary Alleruzzo. She'll drive about eight hours  to Philadelphia to visit family. "We take everything with us and I prepare Thanksgiving dinner at their house."

Every mile is worth it though, to spend the holidays with loved ones.

"The holidays, I think, are generally thought of as family time," said Alleruzzo.

Schroeck agreed that the travel time doesn't bother her. "It's not an effort, it's like a tradition, something we do, we love getting together."

The Trip Advisor survey also said that half of Thanksgiving travelers will extend their holiday stay until Sunday or later.