Turkey. Cranberry sauce. The whole family coming together. There’s something so exciting about seeing loved ones for this beloved holiday. But with about 50 million people heading home this time of year, Thanksgiving travel can get hectic. Luckily, we've put together a few tips to reduce stress and headaches along the way. 

 Tips for Traveling During Thanksgiving

1. Don’t Overpack. Thanksgiving travel is the time to pack light. If you are flying and you can avoid checking your bag, you can save a bit of time (and money). Not sure what you can pack in a carry-on? The TSA website clearly lists out what’s on the approved and non-approved list for flying.
   
   A few additional traveling packing tips: 

• Purchase your favorite toiletries in travel sizes ahead of time.

• Compression cubes and bags help save space in your luggage. 

• Toss a couple of dryer sheets in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh!

• Packing for little ones? This comprehensive family packing list can help you stay organized and delegate tasks.
  
  2. Plan Ahead (but Stay Flexible). It’s a good idea to select your travel dates ahead of time. Because the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, flexibility is key! See if your family gatherings can begin on Thanksgiving travel on Tuesday or if you can travel Thursday morning.
  
  If you’re driving, aim to get on the road either early in the morning or late at night. That will cut down on the amount of traffic you encounter. 
  
  3. Charge Your Devices. Whether you’re in for a long road trip or boarding a flight, it’s very likely that you’ll want your phone or iPad to pass the time or provide directions. Charge your devices the night before, and consider bringing a portable charger or investing in a car charger so you don’t run out of battery.
  
  4. Prep Your Car. If you live in an area that’s prone to winter weather (or heading towards one), be sure to get your car ready before you leave! That means check and update your vehicle emergency kit, put on snow tires, and get an oil change.
  
  5. Book Your Hotel Stay in Advance. We all love family, but sometimes it’s nice to have your own space at the end of the day. And with so many people traveling, hotels tend to get booked up. Call or book online in advance so you know you’ll have a comfortable place to stay. 

Let Us Host You  

With all of the cooking and cleaning, Thanksgiving can be a lot of work! Why not put the burden on us and celebrate Thanksgiving at one of our GrandStay hotels? We offer private dining rooms, group rates, and even catering services. That means no prep, no clean-up. Just relaxing time with the whole family. 

With indoor pools, our complimentary GRAND START® Breakfast, and our passionate commitment to customer service, you’re in good hands at GrandStay. Check out our locations map and book your stay. We can’t wait to make you feel right at home.