Thanksgiving is a time when families come together. Unfortunately, the latest Google Maps traffic data reveals that many Americans, especially those commuting on the East Coast, spend far too much time en route to connecting.
On Tuesday, Google Inc.'s Google Maps revealed Thanksgiving traffic data for nearly two dozen U.S. cities, providing travelers with a better idea of what they can expect and hopefully avoid around the fall holiday. The data was compiled during Thanksgiving week (Monday through Sunday) of 2012 and 2013. Google Maps also released search trends from last year's seven-day stretch.
In the release, Google Maps product manager Aaron Nelson detailed the No. 1 reason for unveiling the findings: "You should spend your holidays with friends and family-not behind the wheel of a car...To save you from traffic headaches this Thanksgiving, we're giving you a look at Turkey Day traffic and trends, powered by Google Maps."
With the numbers on hand, here are the top Thanksgiving travel tips for those taking to the road this holiday.
Leave Early, Leave Late, Just Don't Travel on Thanksgiving Eve
Unsurprisingly, the Google Maps data revealed that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was the worst day for traffic, with that day causing the most headaches in 17 of the 21 cities.
One reason for the traffic on Thanksgiving Eve is that Americans tend to run out for last-minute holiday items. According to the Google Maps search trends for 2013, "ham shop," "pie shop" and "liquor store" were the top three trending searches the day before Thanksgiving.
What's more, the data also suggests that Americans avoid traveling in the late afternoon and early evening on Thanksgiving Eve. According to the data, the worst time to travel around Thanksgiving is between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on that day.
So, if you absolutely have to hit the road on the Wednesday before Turkey Day, think about possibly beginning your journey early in the morning or long after the sun goes down.
Take Advantage of Turkey Day
Although many Americans have long distances to travel for Thanksgiving and want to maximize on their time with family, the Google Maps data shows that Thanksgiving day is an ideal travel day for those who don't have very far to go to get to their destination.
Whether you're leaving home or coming home, driving on Thanksgiving is sure to result in less stress.
But for those navigating the streets of the Big Apple on Thanksgiving Day, Google Maps' data highlights the hour from 2 to 3 p.m. as the time to avoid. Thanksgiving day traffic tends to be heaviest earlier in the day in most other cities.
Get Your Black Friday Shopping Done Early
If you manage to forget how brutal the traffic was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the congestion on the Saturday after will serve as a harsh reminder.
According to Google Maps' data, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is among the worst traffic days of the holiday week and is the worst in three of the 21 cities. However, the numbers shows that the roads tend to be much less hectic on Black Friday.
Consider that "outlet mall" was the top trending Google Maps search term on Thanksgiving day last year, not Black Friday, according to the company's release. With more and more retail stores opening on Thanksgiving night and many people returning to work, it makes sense that less people are on the road on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Therefore, the key is to get your holiday shopping done early and get back home ahead of the weekend. If not, you're better off waiting until Sunday. Traffic can be up to 40 percent worse on Saturday as opposed to Sunday, according to Google Maps.
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