‘Tis the season of bustling roads and holiday cheer, and amid the festive chaos, Gigi Barnett is navigating the rush for Christmas getaways. This year, a noticeable surge in car travel has taken center stage, while plane ticket sales experience a corresponding decline. Regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, the anticipation is palpable, with millions gearing up for holiday escapes.
As the holiday travel season kicks off nationwide on Friday, airports become hubs of activity, witnessing the comings and goings of eager travelers. For some, the convenience of road travel is evident, with its flexibility and ability to avoid the constraints of a fixed schedule. However, others opt for the swiftness and comfort of air travel, despite the challenges it may pose.
The Schoenfeld twins, in deliberating their travel plans, found a road trip less appealing, opting for the ease of air travel. “In a plane, you can just get up and go straight instead of taking all those curvy roads,” expressed one of the twins. The sentiment echoes a growing trend seen this year, where more individuals are breaking away from the tradition of spending the holidays closer to home.
In the early hours of the morning, the Walker family embarked on a multi-modal journey, starting with the Bolt bus in Manhattan and transitioning to the Amtrak in Baltimore. Their destination? The enchanting realms of Disney in Orlando. Yvette Walker, an airplane passenger, shared her excitement about departing from the usual holiday routine. “I’ve never gone away for Christmas. I’ve always stayed home. That’s why I want to do it,” she remarked, capturing the essence of this year’s holiday travel spirit.
This year, the travel landscape reveals a departure from the norm, with more individuals willing to venture beyond local boundaries after spending the last few holidays in close proximity. Notably, despite a rise in gas prices, road travel continues to be the favored mode of transportation, according to AAA. Even as plane travel sees an 11 percent decrease nationally, the allure of scenic road trips holds strong.
Some travelers, like the Schoenfeld twins, acknowledge the potential monotony of road travel, with one noting, “It was boring, and I barfed twice.” Yet, for many, the sacrifice seems worthwhile, especially when it comes to being with loved ones during the holiday season.
However, the joy of holiday travel comes with its set of challenges, with the possibility of being stranded acting as a damper on the festivities. To ensure a smooth journey, experts advise checking flight statuses for timeliness and addressing any car issues before embarking on road trips. With careful planning, these holiday adventurers are set to create lasting memories, whether soaring through the skies or cruising down scenic roads.