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Traveling for Thanksgiving? What to know about winter storms, traffic congestion and more
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More than 79.9 million Coloradans are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
During the Thanksgiving travel period from Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2, 71.7 million are expected to drive, 5.8 million are expected to fly, and another 2.3 million are expected to travel through other means.
The total of 79.9 million travelers would surpass last year’s record by 1.7 million people, or 2%, and is an increase of 2 million people over 2019, according to a AAA news release.
About 1.3 million more drivers are expected on Colorado roads than were in 2023, and 5.84 million more people are expected to fly domestically.
Why are more people traveling this year?
AAA officials said in the release that the cause of the increased travel is likely economic. They cited “robust wage growth” and noted that “inflation — especially on common travel products — has stabilized and even declined.”
“All told, consumer spending is up nearly 5% from this time last year — while Colorado gas prices have fallen (20 cents) over the same period,” AAA officials said in the release.
Specifically, AAA noted that falling oil prices may help push the national average gas price below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021 before drivers hit the road for Thanksgiving. Colorado gas prices are currently at an average of $2.90, according to AAA, with Pueblo’s current prices mirroring that average.
The cost of airfare has also only gone up 3% over last year nationwide, and car rentals are down 20%, although the cost of booking a hotel is up a whopping 28% from 2023, according to AAA.
“Gratitude has always been the watchword for Thanksgiving get-togethers, and Americans have apparently decided they’ve got a lot to be grateful for this year,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA.
“Remember, travel is an economic choice. While post-pandemic pessimism about the economy lingers, it hasn’t borne out in travel trendlines — which is good news for Colorado’s hospitality industry, even as travelers can expect choked-up roadways and long lines at airports.”
When is the best time to travel if driving?
According to INRIX, a transportation data and analytics company, the worst times to travel by car over the Thanksgiving holiday are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, and the best time is Thanksgiving Day when interstates and highways are typically clear, the AAA release said.
Drivers returning home on Sunday should leave early in the morning to beat the traffic. In Colorado, drivers can expect the worst congestion on southbound Interstate 25 from Fort Collins to Denver on Friday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m., when travel times will be up 44% over a typical day.
What will the weather be like for travelers?
According to Andrew Clouse, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Pueblo, significant precipitation is expected over the I-25 corridor from Pueblo to Denver from Wednesday morning to Wednesday night.
While Puebloans can expect an inch or less of snow, the Colorado Springs area can expect anywhere from 2-4 inches of snow, according to Clouse. As for the Denver area, 6-8 inches of snow are expected over the Palmer Divide, while 2 to 3 inches are expected north of that.
On Tuesday, while a chance of rain is expected, snowfall will only occur over higher elevations, Clouse said. According to the NWS’ seven-day forecast, Pueblo and Colorado Springs will see mostly sunny conditions during the day on Tuesday, with a chance of rain at night. Meanwhile, Denver’s forecast calls for possible precipitation all day Tuesday.
Colorado skies are expected to be clear from Thursday through the weekend, Clouse said.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1.
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