OHIO — Millions of travelers are heading out to celebrate Thanksgiving with AAA officials estimating about 1.7 million more drivers compared to last year.

They said about 70 million people will travel with cars alone and these numbers are higher even before the pandemic. 

What You Need To Know

  • AAA predicts millions will travel by car for Thanksgiving
  • Officials recommend preparing before hitting the road

  • Some drivers share their own preparations such as carrying a first aid kit

  • Back up batteries for phones are also recommended

Driving during the holidays can get hectic, especially when your hands are full, like mother of two Meagan Deck.

 “I’m traveling with my son Hawken and my other son Roman and my husband Bob and we’re heading to Cleveland to visit family,” Deck said. “Oh my gosh, I feel like we just packed everything besides the kitchen sink. I mean bottle formula, iPad just in case you get bored, crayons, markers…”

For her son Roman, Thanksgiving is all about fun.

He said he’s looking forward to meeting and playing with his cousins in Cleveland.

He makes sure to bring along his favorite thing, which is his special cards.

“I look at my football cards and they’re still at the car,” Roman said.

Others are on the road with the whole family.

Kyle Peters left from Kentucky very early today to skip traffic.

He said it’s been smooth sailing for them.

“I’m with my wife and in a separate car it’s her parents and her sister,” Peters said. “We’re going up to see my family.”

But not everyone is heading straight to celebrate thanksgiving.

Dave Titus is working and said during the holidays it tends to get crowded and the roads become more dangerous.

Titus’ advice is to be patient and slow down during times like these.

“I’m delivering freight and I’m going up to the Buffalo area,” Titus said. “People tend to run in packs and it’s dangerous. They get too close together and if somebody stops is a problem.”

Officials said preparation is key when traveling far.

Some tips include packing extra batteries for your phone and things you may need in case of an emergency.

Tyler Carpenter is traveling with his girlfriend and said he’s checked his tires and made sure his car ran smoothly before he left home.

“I have a first aid kit and a bunch of jackets in the trunk if that counts, but I should do better than that,” Carpenter said.

Gravy, turkey, cranberry juice are all awaiting these drivers on the other side.

Even Titus, who’s working, he said he’s driving straight to his Thanksgiving celebration after he’s done.

Yet not everyone is celebrating. For many, it’s about being grateful and seeing family after a long time.

Kind of like Roman, who’s looking forward to see his cousins. He brought out his little book with his cards and showed me what he’s grateful for.

 “Ummm football cards,” Roman said.

 Roman’s mom, Deck said she hopes people have a great year. 

“I would love to wish people health and happiness for this coming year and just enjoy the little things,” Deck said.