The History and Evolution of Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving travel has long been a cornerstone of American culture, underscoring the importance of family and communal gatherings, regardless of the distance we need to travel to get there.

In the early days, Thanksgiving travel was marked by long, arduous journeys, often on foot, horseback or other primitive modes of transport, as families traversed great distances to be together.

The invention of the automobile revolutionized Thanksgiving travel, allowing families to travel further, faster and more comfortably. The onset of air travel marked another significant milestone, making it possible for loved ones to come together from across the country or even across the globe.

Today, technology-enhanced group transportation solutions have further transformed Thanksgiving travel, with online platforms enabling easy planning and booking with real-time updates. The landscape of travel may be unrecognizable from the horse-drawn carriage days, but the underlying motive remains the same—the desire to connect with loved ones during this memorable holiday.

The Current State of Thanksgiving Travel

Every year, AAA releases its Thanksgiving travel forecast. Of the 55.37M projected Thanksgiving travelers for 2023, 49.13M (88.7%) are expected to drive their own cars, 4.69M (8.5%) are going to fly and 1.55M (2.8%) are going to utilize other transportation methods, like charter bus rentals.

Fun Fact: With CharterUP’s self-serve platform, you can charter a bus in just 60 seconds.

Modern Thanksgiving Travel Challenges

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, with average travel times soaring up to 80% over normal in certain metro areas.

The stress associated with Thanksgiving travel cannot be overlooked. From navigating through crowded airports to dealing with flight delays or cancellations, it can take a toll on even the most seasoned travelers.

A sprinter van rental saves you time, money, gas and mental fortitude, allowing you to step right out of the airport and into your private (and warm!) transportation or even eschew the airport entirely with a luxurious road trip.

Deciding between driving or flying and chartering a bus ultimately comes down to balancing convenience, experience, and cost. While driving offers a certain level of autonomy, opting for a chartered bus or sprinter van rental offers seamless travel, minimized stress and a comfortable journey.

The Environmental Impact of Thanksgiving Travel

In a world where climate change is at the forefront of global concern, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of our travel choices. While driving may seem like the most eco-friendly option, research shows that charter buses are the most environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. According to a study by the American Bus Association, motorcoaches produce 3.7 times less carbon dioxide per passenger mile than cars. Furthermore, when compared to air travel, buses emit 55% less carbon dioxide per passenger mile.

In addition, a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that if everyone in the US took one long-distance bus trip instead of driving, it would reduce carbon emissions by over 4.2 billion pounds per year—the equivalent to taking 1.9 million cars off the road.

Why Charter Buses and Sprinter Vans Are the Future of Sustainable Thanksgiving Travel

In contrast, charter buses and sprinter vans have a much lower impact on the environment. The average charter bus can take up to 55 cars off the road, significantly reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

Affordable, Convenient and Environmentally Friendly

Charter buses and sprinter vans are the clear choice for eco-friendly Thanksgiving travel. Not only do they emit significantly less carbon dioxide per passenger mile compared to cars and airplanes, but they also have a smaller overall environmental footprint. With fewer vehicles on the road, charter buses and sprinter vans help reduce air pollution and congestion, making it a more sustainable option for holiday travel. Additionally, the cost of renting a bus can be cheaper per passenger than hailing multiple rideshares or flying in an airplane.

Making a Positive Impact

The transportation industry may be responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector in the U.S., but here at CharterUP, we envision a future that is greener, cleaner and more sustainable.

By choosing a charter bus or sprinter van rental for Thanksgiving travel, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while saving money, time and hassle.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Thanksgiving Travel

As society becomes more environmentally conscious, we anticipate a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly options for Thanksgiving travel. This could include alternatives to traditional gas-guzzling vehicles, such as electric or hybrid buses and cars, as well as incorporating renewable energy sources in transportation.

At CharterUP, we believe in creating a world with fewer parking lots and more parks. This looks like championing sustainable, eco-friendly group transportation methods like charter buses and sprinter vans and staying ahead of the curve in technological advancements.

Give Thanks for a Seamless Journey with Charterup

Join us in making a positive impact this Thanksgiving by choosing sustainable and stress-free travel options with CharterUP. From bus rentals in Oklahoma City to private charter buses in Pittsburgh, give us a call to explore our options in your area and make your holiday season one to remember.