FLORHAM PARK—The number of Americans traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend will drop slightly compared to last year, reports AAA. An estimated 41 million Americans are expected to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday 50 miles or more away from home, a decrease of 600,000 travelers (1.4 percent) from last year’s total of 41.6 million. This is the first decline in Thanksgiving holiday travel since 2002 and is the fourth consecutive holiday in 2008 where a year-to-year decrease was forecast. According to AAA, nearly one million people will originate their travels in New Jersey.
“While gas prices have dropped considerably, providing motorists much-need relief at the pump, the overall state of the economy continues to present real challenges for some families looking to travel this Thanksgiving,” says Rick Zeckendorf, vice president of travel services for the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club. “It’s important to note, however, that even in the face of these tough economic times, the desire to spend time with family and friends provides a strong incentive and many people are still planning to travel.”
