Thanksgiving Travel to Increase Says AAA

According to AAA, more Americans will be traveling this Thanksgiving. The Washington Post reported that in AAA's annual survey it is forecasted that 43.6 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles away from their homes over Thanksgiving which is a 0.7 percent increase since last year.

AAA says it will take a stronger economy to make travel during this period grow anymore. "Despite mild improvements in unemployment, the housing market and greater consumer optimism, the economy is still struggling to keep its head above water," AAA said in its forecast according to The Washington Post.

The highest peak was in 2005 and 2007 and 2012's forecast is still much below those years. 26 percent below 2005 and 14 percent below 2007.

In a release, AAA also predicted that 4.64 million people will travel by plane which is up from last year by 1.3 percent. "Higher prices and sagging consumer confidence will make Thanksgiving travel growth a bit less robust this holiday, although airports and highways still be will as busy as ever," said Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson in the release. "Prices for gasoline, hotel rooms and rental cars have increased, but that will not keep people from traveling. You'd be hard pressed to tell Grandma that you weren't coming for Thanksgiving dinner just because it will cost an extra $10 to fill up the gas tank."

The Washington Post reported that air travel is predicted to go down. "Airlines for America, the main trade group for U.S. airlines expects a mild increase in flying over Thanksgiving. The group's prediction covers the 12 days starting Nov. 16. AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday travel period as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25," reported The Washington Post.

The survey is compiled from traveler's surveys as well as economic analysis and was compiled before Hurricane Sandy hit. "AAA said it doesn't yet know the full impact the storm will have on travel in the Mid-Atlantic region, but it expects it will be significant," reported The Washington Post.