The Best (and Worst) Times to Travel in Michigan for Thanksgiving

People treat the Thanksgiving holiday in one of two ways- either as a fly by holiday that gets in the day of your December cheer, or as a great time to gather with family and break bread. That’s why Thanksgiving week can be a blend of heartwarming reunions and hair-pulling travel chaos.

If you’re braving the journey to carve turkey with your loved ones across the state or even further- know this: your departure time from home could mean the difference between a stress-free trip and an absolute travel nightmare.

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Experts agree that the worst times to travel if you’re leaving your house here in Michigan is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (especially from noon to 8 PM) and the Sunday after.

On those days, expect bumper-to-bumper traffic from 131 to 94, and security lines stretching longer than your holiday to-do list at GRR and DTW. These peak periods see millions scrambling to hit the road or take to the skies simultaneously coming to and from the mitten state, often leading to delays and skyrocketing travel stress.

For those looking to outsmart the crowds, you’ll want to consider traveling earlier in the week. If you’re able, try Monday or Tuesday. Even Thanksgiving Day itself can be a surprisingly peaceful time to hit the road or board a flight.

Return trips? Skip the Sunday rush and aim for Saturday or early Monday for a smoother experience. Travelers can also avoid headaches by sticking to early-morning or late-night departures if you have to travel on peak travel days. (After all, if you’re the first flight of the day, you’re less likely to experience a delay)

For extra peace of mind, use tools like traffic apps to dodge congestion and plan ahead. When you’re hitting the road to travel across the state or even further- patience, snacks, and a good playlist are essential carry-ons for any Thanksgiving trek. With a little strategy, your Michigan holiday travel might just be the gravy on the mashed potatoes instead of a scheduling headache.

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