Thanksgiving Travel Alternatives: Road or Rail?

According to a recent survey conducted by American Express, almost 20 percent of those who traveled for Thanksgiving last year are staying home this year. Meanwhile, the Air Transport Association of America says airlines are expecting a 4 percent drop in air travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. The down economy may be forcing Americans to make drastic changes to their Thanksgiving travel plans, but air doesn’t have to be the only way to go. Traveling by road or by rail are two alternatives that may be more feasible in terms of cost.

Holiday Road

For shorter trips of 5 to 6 hours or less, traveling by car may not be as quick as flying, but it could be less costly and more rewarding.  Here are a few tips for getting there by car:

• Plan your route ahead of time.  A more direct route along major interstates may be quicker, but it could also be more expensive.  Larger towns and cities, or more affluent areas, are likely to have higher gas prices. Not only that, but the interstates will also have heavier holiday traffic, which will affect  your gas mileage, not to mention your patience.

• Consider taking a road less traveled. You can make your journey a lot less expensive and a lot more interesting by taking a scenic route through smaller towns.  Map your route along state or county roads, or if possible, try taking a scenic byway or driving through a heritage area. You’ll give thanks for all the lovely scenery, interesting historic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path roadside stops you find along the way. You can plan and share your Thanksgiving trip itinerary here, or you can get suggestions for scenic roads in the Journeys Into Hidden America circle.

• Calculate your costs. Using a website such as GasBuddy.com, you can find out the prices of gas for the zip codes where you’ll be driving, and you can also calculate approximate costs for your entire trip using the Trip Cost Calculator. This way, you can estimate your fuel costs ahead of time and compare them to the cost of  other modes of travel or other possible routes.

The Romance of Rail

For longer distances, you may want to consider rail travel. Traveling by train can be less expensive and more relaxing, giving you the opportunity to take in some stunning scenery just outside of your large picture window.  Compared to air travel, train travel has its advantages:  fares are much more stable, most trips don’t require prior reservations (you can book your trip on your travel day at the station) and you are allowed more baggage without having to pay baggage fees. Plus, carbon emissions from trains are a lot lower, so less damaging to the environment than emissions from plane travel – making rail a greener way to travel. Trains also have a certain historic charm and romanticism associated with them, especially on routes that take you through rugged mountains and rolling hills, over awe-inspiring rivers or along dramatic coastlines.

Yes, there are viable alternatives to air travel this Thanksgiving – and they won’t be too burdensome on your pocketbook, either. Both road and rail are often less expensive and more rewarding modes of travel, allowing you the opportunity to take in sights you may not have seen otherwise.  No matter which way you choose, travel safely this Thanksgiving!