Driving or Flying Before Feasting? Travelers.
Preparing a significant holiday feast can be a source of stress for the cook (refer to “The Bear,” Season two, Episode six). However, reaching the dining table can also pose challenges for guests, with no dedicated helpline for overwhelmed travelers.
AAA projections anticipate that the number of individuals traveling 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their residence for Thanksgiving will reach 55.4 million this week, representing a minor increase compared to the previous year.
Travelers can enhance their experience by taking specific steps, even though misery may find solace in the company of others.
EARLY BIRDS GET THE OPEN ROADS
During Thanksgiving, most travelers, estimated at over 49 million, are projected to reach their destinations through driving. INRIX, a reliable transportation data and insights provider, suggests that the busiest time on the road will be between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the day preceding the holiday.
According to Megan Jones, a senior actuary at Arity, a company that analyzes mobility data, traffic jams decrease your speed. They can lead to accidents caused by drivers who need to be more focused on the road.
According to her, people are less likely to use their phones when traffic flows smoothly, and there are fewer instances of stopping and starting.
During the holiday period, the frequency of speeding escalates significantly, particularly on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, at a rate exceeding 80 mph (129 kph). Drivers must exercise mindfulness regarding their actions and remain vigilant of their surroundings, as advised by Jones.
“It’s important to remember when returning home that other drivers are on the road.
Driving at high speeds increases the risk of accidents, which can be more costly,” she explained.
TAKE IT EASY, NOT QUEASY
When going on road trips with children, additional challenges exist, such as managing conflicts in the backseat and preventing carsickness.
If you are traveling on Thanksgiving Day, you might be tempted to skip meals or snacks since you’re heading to a feast. However, according to Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician and parenting coach, that could be a mistake.
To alleviate symptoms of nausea, it is advisable to ensure that individuals susceptible to carsickness have a full stomach and remain hydrated.
Other helpful measures include minimizing screen exposure, allowing fresh air by opening windows, and directing the child’s attention to the horizon.
In the event of any mishaps, it is recommended to maintain a calm demeanor, reassuring them with a composed voice and tone.
DEEP BREATHS, NOT BIG GULPS
AAA predicts that approximately 4.7 million individuals will fly during the Thanksgiving travel period, representing a 6.6% increase from 2022 and the highest number since 2005. Regarding air travel, Sheryl Skaggs, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, suggests that showing empathy can significantly impact.
Remember that the planes are highly likely crowded,” she advised. “Experienced travelers are more aware of this and ready for it, but there will be many other people who aren’t frequent flyers traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
The speaker encouraged travelers to prioritize tolerance and understanding instead of getting upset about crying babies or engaging in conflicts over reclining seats.
According to her, this situation is uncomfortable for everyone involved, but displaying respect towards others can positively impact beyond just one person.
Travelers Flight Safety
In a study co-authored by Skaggs and published earlier this year, nearly 1,000 incidents of passenger misconduct on airplanes over 20 years were examined. The study identified the consumption of alcohol as a significant factor contributing to misconduct, which was defined as behavior that was abusive, unruly, antagonistic towards others, or compromised travelers flight safety.
According to Skaggs, the consumption of alcohol often begins before passengers board the plane.
Skaggs advises passengers not to hesitate in notifying flight attendants if they observe any suspicious behavior or potential escalation.
THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
Thanksgiving travel can also be an emotional journey, depending on the destination of the travelers. Holidays can prove challenging due to various factors such as complex family dynamics, unrealistic expectations, and disruption of routine,
According to Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth.
Dr. Erickson-Schroth serves as the chief medical officer at The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention.
Anticipatory anxiety about the holidays is expected as we reflect on past experiences and wonder how things unfold. To alleviate this anxiety, it is helpful to dedicate some travelers travel time to prioritize mental health and prepare for what lies ahead.
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To navigate potential conflicts with family members, it is advisable to pre-determine your desired approach. Engaging with them can become challenging amidst the situation, as old patterns resurface rapidly. Take time in advance to contemplate the actions that will bring you the most satisfaction.
