NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – For Thanksgiving travel, when it comes to planes, trains or automobiles… the cars win.
AAA Travel counselor, Joe Pacaccio relays the statistics: “Of all the folks traveling, you’re talking about 46.9 million that we anticipate between Wednesday and Sunday, almost 90 percent of that number drives.”
Low prices at the pump are fueling a road trip surge: Compared to last year, AAA says there will be 300,000 more travelers hitting the road in the days surrounding Thanksgiving. It’s the most Thanksgiving travelers since 2007.
But while domestic travel is up, international travel is taking a hit and the impact of the Paris terror attacks is likely to seep into 2016.
“If they’re planning something in the future like spring or summer or even fall of next year, I’ve had one say ‘Well, can we just bypass Paris on this one?’ I say absolutely, we can do that,” says Pacaccio, but that’s not what he wants to do.
He’s urging travelers to keep their plans intact, as a stand against terrorism.
VIP Travel Experience company owner Rob Landen isn’t canceling his own upcoming trip to Europe, but his office has been flooded with questions.
He agrees with Pacaccio, “We can’t let them win by making us stay home. If we want to travel we should travel, just be very smart in doing so,” says Landen.
One smart step is sharing your travel itinerary with the U.S. State Department ahead of time, through the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,” also known as STEP.
“If trouble arises they know where to find you and also they can communicate back home with your friends and family and let them know your whereabouts, and if you’re safe or not,” says Landen.
Having an extra form of identification is another wise move. AAA offices can provide International Driving Permits in a matter of minutes.
The cost is $15 to $30, depending on whether or not you’re a member. You’ll need the fee, and a valid U.S. driver’s license, and the International Driving Permit (IDP) is good for one year.
