Focus at Four: AAA Texas shares Thanksgiving travel tips

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – AAA Texas projects 5.7 million Texans will travel more than 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving holiday, more than last year’s record number of travelers.

Doug Shupe, with AAA Texas, joined First News at Four to talk about some of the popular destinations, troublesome spots across the state, and helpful tips as Texans hit the road.

“The vast majority of Texans who will be traveling will be going by automobile,” said Shupe. “The most popular road trip destinations are going to be places like San Antonio with the beautifully lit River Walk, Austin, and the Texas Hill Country, and folks are also going to be going to our big major metro cities like the Metroplex, Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as Houston.”

Shupe said for anyone getting a jumpstart on their travels before Thursday, the busiest times on the roadways will be Tuesday and Wednesday, “particularly between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.”

“So, if you are planning to leave and hit the road, the best idea is to leave as early as possible in the day as you possibly can. What you want to do is avoid those afternoon rush hour commute times with people heading home from work are mixing on the roads with the travelers who are heading in and out of town,” he advised.

Gas prices will be a welcome sight for many travelers this holiday season. The average gas price in Texas, according to AAA, is $2.64 per gallon; more than 40 cents cheaper than the national average, and 10 cents cheaper than a year ago.

For travelers taking alternative means, Shupe said the most popular cruise destination for Texans is to The Caribbean and the top spot for air travelers is Orlando, Florida- the home of Disney World, a popular family vacation spot.

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