Photo by Simon Abrams on Unsplash
The Landscape of Thanksgiving Travel for Remote Workers
November 24, 2023
In a trend that’s shaking up the holiday season, Americans are making the most of a longer Thanksgiving travel window, especially remote workers. Leaving their homes earlier and returning later is becoming the norm, aiming to side-step congestion, dodge severe weather, and relish additional quality time with loved ones.
A Shift in Holiday Traditions
This shift in pattern is not without cause. As remote work solidifies its role in the American lifestyle, it’s reshaping how holidays are observed and celebrated. Thanks to the flexibility of telecommuting, many Americans are finding it possible to elongate their holiday travel periods, making the celebrations even more meaningful.
Crunching the Numbers
Travel data gives credence to this development. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a staggering 2.7 million passengers on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving in 2022, a significant leap from the 2 million travelers recorded on the analogous Friday of 2019.
Moreover, travel data from Skyscanner, as reported by the New York Times, indicates that in 2022, the Friday preceding Thanksgiving surpassed Wednesday in terms of popularity as a travel day.
The Role of Remote Workers
As the virtual work trend continues, about 70% of individuals with the option to work remotely opt to do so occasionally or full-time each week, the New York Times reveals. This change in the working paradigm is enabling many to gain extra holiday travel time, skipping the peak traffic and potentially harsh weather conditions.
The Reality of In-Person Work
Despite the growing trend, it’s vital to remember that the majority of Americans are still engaged in in-person work, and most schools operate during the initial days of Thanksgiving week. Consequently, AAA data points out that the busiest travel days remain the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following the holiday.
However, those with the option to do so are progressively opting to commence their celebrations sooner or prolong their stay once the holiday concludes, adding a new dimension to the traditional Thanksgiving experience.
Recent News
AI Has Mastered the Art of Deception
AI, celebrated for its productivity-boosting capabilities, harbors a deceptive side as revealed by recent research. This unsettling finding underscores the need for heightened awareness and regulatory measures to address the risks posed by AI’s ability to induce false beliefs.
Chinese EVs Navigate Global Markets Amid Rising Trade Tensions
China’s electric vehicle (EV) sector is making strategic moves into offshore markets for increased funding, exemplified by the recent success of Zeekr, a premium EV brand under Geely, which saw its shares surge 34% in the largest US IPO by a Chinese company since 2021.
History and Special Promotions of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, is celebrated across the globe, with its current roots tracing back to the United States, where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. In the Middle Ages, people return to visit their original home parishes and their mothers on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. This tradition evolved into Mothering Sunday in Britain, but has been largely supplanted by the American-style of Mother’s Day.
Planet Fitness Raises Monthly Fee After 26 Years
Planet Fitness, renowned for its budget-friendly $10-a-month membership plan, is embarking on a significant shift by increasing its basic fee for the first time in over two decades. The “classic” membership, allowing access to a single location, will undergo a 50% hike to $15 for new members commencing this summer.