Thanksgiving Preparations and Travel Surge in 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches, Janet Easley, a long-time community volunteer, is preparing to distribute 400 turkeys at Watkins Park in Indianapolis, continuing her tradition of helping those in need despite personal losses and health challenges. Meanwhile, travel predictions indicate that nearly 80 million Americans will hit the roads for the holiday, with the busiest travel days expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. In the restaurant sector, some companies, like Portillo’s, are engaging corporate employees to work in their establishments during the holiday season to address ongoing staffing shortages. Additionally, barbecue restaurants are preparing for their busiest day of the year, with many focusing on serving smoked turkey as part of their Thanksgiving offerings. For those opting out of cooking, various local restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day, providing alternatives for families. With weather conditions potentially complicating travel, experts recommend avoiding peak travel times and staying informed through traffic apps.