‘Travel’s been fantastic’: People hit the roads ahead of Thanksgiving

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – People are slowly getting ready to begin traveling as Thanksgiving approaches.

“Traveling later, it only is more hectic,” shared Georgia resident, Andrew Edwards.

Andrew Edwards and his wife Jayne Edwards are from Georgia, but they’re traveling to Winter Park for Thanksgiving. They both work remotely so they decided to hit the road early to beat the holiday traffic rush.

According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. This an increase of more than one million people compared to last year. The traffic rush is projected to start on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and go until Monday, Dec. 2.

“Travel’s been fantastic. We’ve really enjoyed getting to the State of Florida, and the beautiful you know fall weather the 70s. We just left and it was 40, and gas prices have been great,” Andrew Edwards said.

The average price of gas in Florida is $3.12 which is 10 cents higher than just one year ago. Andrew Edwards says the gas prices haven’t bothered him, and people from New York who spoke to TV20 say gas is getting cheaper the move they drive south. In Alachua County, the average price is $3.16, and if stopping for gas Andrew Edwards has some go to road trip snacks.

“We’ve had a lot of great snacks, a little Butterfinger and Funyuns, if we can drop some names and suggestions for other people,” shared Andrew Edwards.

Another traveler from Georgia is 11-year-old Jonathan Menaker. His family is going to LEGOLAND. Menaker says he doesn’t like long car rides.

“You have to try and make the best of them,” said Menaker.

Menaker says he can’t wait to go to the theme park and spend the holiday with his family.

“I’m very much looking forward to Thanksgiving,” Menaker shared.

Andrew Edwards says he’s also looking forward to Thanksgiving with his parents and wife.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2024 WCJB. All rights reserved.