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Have Turkey, Will Travel, Even In This Economy

By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: November 17, 2008

Thanksgiving may be the most traditional of American holidays, cutting across religious and political backgrounds. Travel to see friends and relatives is a primary holiday activity.

But Thanksgiving travel plans this year have become as volatile as the economy, airfares and gasoline prices.

This year's travel prospects vary from survey to survey. The Air Transport Association of America predicts airline passenger traffic will decline 10 percent this year to about 24 million between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2. TripAdvisor.com predicts that 38 percent of travelers will fly this Thanksgiving season, compared with 37 percent a year ago.

Here are more findings from a survey this month of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers by TripAdvisor.com, an Expedia Inc. company whose brands draw more than 32 million online visitors a month.

Other Responses

Family Considerations: 30 percent feel pressure to spend time with family, 77 percent will see family and friends, 7 percent will travel to avoid families and friends

Money Concerns: 76 percent said economic concerns did not affect Thanksgiving plans, 30 percent called an exotic tropical destination their dream if money were no object, 31 percent called staying home with family and friends their dream Thanksgiving

When To Go: 28 percent will travel the day before Thanksgiving, 28 percent will travel on Thanksgiving Day, 27 percent will travel home on Sunday after Thanksgiving

How Far To Go: 15 percent will travel less than 100 miles from home, 36 percent will travel less than 300 miles, 9 percent will travel overseas