WISCONSIN — Nearly 1.6 million Wisconsinites are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, which is 2.3% more than last year, according to the American Automobile Association.


What You Need To Know

  • More Wisconsinites are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year compared to last year

  • Nationally, travelers are expected to break records

  • Gas prices may give people a break with their wallets this year as well

Here's how Wisconsinites are expecting to travel this year:

  • Car: 1,403,959 — up nearly 2% from 2023
  • Air: 132,999 — up 2% from 2023
  • Other: 45,588 — up 9% from 2023

Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27 will be the worst days to travel by car. 

Here are the best times to travel by car:

  • Monday, Nov. 25: Before 11 a.m. 
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26: Before 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27: Before 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving): AAA says this is the best day to travel, with minimal traffic expected
  • Friday, Nov. 29: After 1 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: Before 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 1: Before 1 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 2: Before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 

Here are the worst times to travel by car: 

  • Monday, Nov. 25: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 1: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Overall, Thanksgiving travel is poised to break records this year. Nationally, more than 79.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from their home, which is 1.7 million more than last year, according to AAA.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board,” AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said in a statement. “AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

However, travelers may save a few bucks this year for gas. Gas prices are expected to be lower for Thanksgiving this year compared to 2023. In Wisconsin, average gas prices are currently at $2.86, which is lower than the average gas price last year on Thanksgiving Day, which was $3 in Wisconsin and $3.26 nationally. 

For those driving to their Thanksgiving destination, AAA offered the following tips: 

  • "Get a full vehicle inspection before setting out on your trip
  • "Leave early and allow extra time to get to your destination, so you are not in a rush
  • "Identify alternate routes in case you encounter congestion or road closures
  • "Avoid distractions while driving. Program your GPS before your drive
  • "Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt
  • "Never drive impaired"

For Wisconsinites taking to the skies this Thanksgiving, AAA offered the following tips: 

  • "Check-in early online
  • "Monitor your flight status using your air carrier’s mobile app
  • "Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure
  • "Pack medications and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case your flight is delayed or cancelled"
  • Book a direct flight that leaves earlier in the day
  • Consider traveling on Thanksgiving for optimal pricing and availability