For several years in a row, I’ve managed to avoid Thanksgiving traffic. Specifically, I travel on I-95 from Richmond, VA to South Jersey, but I’m confident these traffic tips apply for just about anywhere. Here’s the rundown:
- Drive, don’t fly. EZ-Pass won’t scan your body or feel you up. It’s a win-win.
- Pack whatever you need the night before Thanksgiving. Place it on the floor, just inside the front door. Have snacks, drinks, etc. ready (keep in fridge).
- And here’s the kicker… start your drive on Thanksgiving morning.
To avoid Thanksgiving traffic, start early
3:00am: Alarm clock goes off. Get up right away. No snooze.
3:01: Start brewing the coffee.
3:02: Get dressed. Quick & comfortable.
3:07: Throw last-minute toiletries in the your bag. Don’t forget your cellphone charger.
3:09: Start chugging coffee.
3:13: Pack car. Start warming it up if it’s cold.
3:20: Finish chugging coffee.
3:25: …and you’re on the road.
3:26: Turn the music up. It doesn’t matter what station.
3:27: Start bobbing your head & shaking your shoulders (aka: dance). You’ve gotta stay loose with a long drive ahead.
3:28: Commence singing. Don’t stop until you arrive at your destination.
3:35: Get on the interstate.
3:36: Set the cruise control to 75, and don’t stop unless you need gas.
____: You’ll be there before you know it 🙂
OK. I realize a few of those won’t help you get there any faster, but they are guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving Day drive much more enjoyable.
Thanksgiving morning is definitely the time to travel. I drove back to Richmond from NYC Thursday morning. We left at 5:15 and made it to Richmond at 11:15. With 3 stops.