JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – AAA forecasts that fewer Americans will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company notes health concerns and unemployment as two key factors leading to what are expected to be the lowest Thanksgiving travel numbers in the past four years.
AAA expects roughly 50 million Americans will travel for the holiday. In Florida, it only projects 2.8 million travelers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the best way to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. For those who do decide to travel, AAA is offering several safety recommendations:
Plan ahead.
Check with state and local authorities at each destination along your intended travel route, to learn about circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.
Follow public health guidance.
Remember to use face masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Regular handwashing is also one of the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack masks, disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer. AAA also suggests bringing your own food and water on road trips, to limit the number of stops you need to make along the way.
Call in advance.
Check with hotels before arriving. Ensure they are indeed open, and ask them about the precautions and protocols they have set in place to protect guests. See what amenities are available to guests before making plans.
When renting a car...
Check with the rental service to see how the vehicle has been cleaned and disinfected. For added safety, use your own disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch surfaces, such as handles, the steering wheel, shifter knob, and all control panels.
For more information and resources, visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. Also, TripTik.AAA.com helps you determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels are open along your way.
