AAA says it’s due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions put in place by states.
Towson, Md (KM) AAA Mid-Atlantic anticipates a 10% drop in travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday period. Spokeswoman Ragina Ali says this is expected to be the largest, one-year decrease in travel since the Great Recession of 2008. “The affects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health concerns and high unemployment, are impacting Americans’ decisions to travel for this Thanksgiving Holiday,” says Ali.
But the auto club says 50-million Americans are expect to travel during their Thanksgiving destinations this year, mostly by car. If that’s you, Ali says you need to plan ahead. “If you’re traveling to a state outside of your state, you need to know if there are requirements that you quarantine while you’re there; or if you need to quarantine when you return to the state where you reside,”: she sdays.
You also need to practice social distancing while traveling, and wear a mask. Ali suggests you take a supply of masks when you’re out on the road.
“Take hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, things of that nature, particularly if you’re going to be traveling and staying at a hotel,” she says. “Also, pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along the way.”
Ali also says even though there may not be as much traffic on the highways as in past Thanksgiving Holidays, AAA will still be busy during that time rescuing stranded motorists. “if you’re driving, AAA expects to rescue more 413,000 Americans at the roadside this Thanksgiving; and here in Maryland, probably more than 6.600. So we want really advise motorists to make sure their cars are road ready.,” she says.
AAA has some useful websites for travelers this Thanksgiving Holiday. To find more about state and local restrictions due to the coronavirus, go to AAA COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map. To plan your trip, visit TripTIk.AAA.com.
By Kevin McManus