Thanksgiving Travel Dos and Don'ts: Your Weather-Smart Holiday Guide

Here we go again! Thanksgiving week always brings the threat of travel chaos, as anyone who has watched "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" can tell you. With AAA expecting over 82 million people to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday this year (which would be a record), even minor weather hiccups can cascade into major travel nightmares. The key to reaching your turkey dinner on time? Following some weather-smart travel rules that seasoned holiday travelers swear by.

DO: Check Weather 48 Hours Out

The important thing here is to monitor weather forecasts not just for your origin point and destination, but for your entire route. Start looking 48 hours before departure, then check hourly updates on travel day. Late-November storms can develop rapidly, especially across the Midwest and Northeast. Download weather radar apps and sign up for alerts for both your departure and destination cities. Remember: knowledge is your best defense against surprises.

DON'T: Ignore Weather Warnings

Never dismiss weather alerts or assume conditions will magically improve once you're on the road. If meteorologists are issuing warnings for your travel corridor, take them seriously. Winter storm watches can quickly escalate to blizzard warnings, and that "light rain" forecast might become dangerous flooding by afternoon.

DO: Pack Like a Survival Expert

DON'T: Drive Through Danger Zones

Avoid flooded roads, whiteout conditions, or ice-covered highways no matter how close you are to your destination. Resist taking "shortcuts" through unfamiliar back roads during severe weather. Stick to major highways where emergency services can actually reach you.

DO: Build in Flexibility

Leave a day early if severe weather is forecast, or be prepared to delay departure until conditions improve. Identify safe stopping points every 75 miles along your route and keep cash on hand for emergencies. Book refundable hotel reservations as backup options: you can always cancel if you don't need them.

The bottom line: arriving safely trumps arriving on time, every single time. Your family will be far more grateful that you made it in one piece than upset about a delayed arrival. Smart travelers know that flexibility and preparation are the real recipes for holiday success.