The Number Of Americans Traveling This Thanksgiving Season Might Surprise You
According to AAA NewsRoom, a huge amount of Americans are predicted to travel this Thanksgiving holiday season, so many the number might shock you.
55.4 million Americans are predicted to travel over 50 miles from their home by AAA this Thanksgiving travel period. This makes the 2023 Thanksgiving prediction a 2.3% increase compared to last years. This also makes it the third-highest forecast since 2000 for the Thanksgiving season. The two higher years were 2005 and 2019.
Most people traveling are predicted to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. 49.1 million Americans are predicted by AAA to be driving this year. Drivers might also be paying less for gas this year when compared to last year due to gas prices going down recently.
AAA also expects air travelers to be the highest they’ve been since 2005. Currently, 4.7 million people are expected to fly during this holiday period, that’s an increase of 6.6 percent when compared to last year.
This thanksgiving the busiest days for travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before thanksgiving. Sunday is usually the busiest day to go home, but Monday will be a busy day as well for air travel. The best time to leave begin traveling is the early morning or after 6 p.m. to try and avoid the holiday traffic.
5 Festive Vegetarian Dish Picks for Your Holiday Table
If you’re on the hunt for some tasty meatless alternatives to the usual Thanksgiving turkey or just want to mix things up with veggie-packed sides, there are several vegetarian recipes that are perfect for holiday get-togethers.
Thanksgiving often revolves around the star of the show, which is obviously the turkey. But some of the best holiday casseroles and sides are either vegetarian or can be easily tweaked to be. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to try something new, there’s no reason you can’t have a wonderful holiday feast.
Seasonal vegetables and fruits.
The holiday season brings plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables to choose from. These include squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and more. These fall vegetables offer heartiness without the need for meat. Meanwhile, fruits like apples and pears provide versatile options beyond the usual pie offerings.
Your typical Thanksgiving spread has many options that work for vegans and vegetarians alike. Green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed or roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams are just some of the veg-friendly choices available.
Kitchen tips.
If your kitchen is more used to handling meat, you might not have separate cutting boards and knives just for veggies. Just make sure to thoroughly wash utensils before transitioning to vegetable prep. This is done to avoid any cross-contamination, such as dicing bacon on the same board used for chopping green beans.
Even for guests who typically consume meat and dairy, those who don’t eat meat often share the same appreciation for sweet treats. Offering a vegan dessert can be as straightforward as using coconut oil instead of butter in your pie pastry. Maybe opt for a pint of non-dairy ice cream.
Planning a holiday menu with vegetarian options might feel like a bit of a puzzle. This is especially true if you’re not used to it. To assist in your menu planning, we’ve compiled a list of vegetarian dishes that can grace your holiday table and keep your guests happy.
Country 103.7’s funniest guy in town is none other than Rob Tanner with Tanner in the Morning! Rob Tanner has been the host of WSOC-FM's Tanner in the Morning Show in Charlotte, NC for 20 years. The show was named the 2018 ACM Major Market Personalities of the Year. He is well-versed in all topics in country music. Tanner also is a sports junkie who writes about any Carolina sports team, and he and his wife Missy spend most of their down exploring theme parks. He writes Disney insider content.