Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. T.F. Green Airport officials expect a rush through Sunday. But they’ve planned ahead to help travelers unwind.
Live jazz will stream from the food court on Wednesday afternoon. The airport’s new pet therapy dogs, wearing vests that read “pet me,” will greet you at the gate. And there’s even a temporary library on the airport’s lower level for flyers who want to borrow a book for their travels. None of that will make your trip any faster, but music, books, and animals are good bets for lowering stress.
If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving, you won’t be alone. AAA forecasts more than 40 million Americans will be driving for the holidays, too. But here’s some good news to ease the traffic stress: drivers will be paying the lowest gas prices since 2008—nearly a dollar lower in Rhode Island than the same time last year. If you’re heading west, be prepared for higher prices at the pump in Pennsylvania and New York.
The weather should lift your spirits too. On the east coast, drivers can expect clear skies this holiday week, with temperatures averaging in the 50s. Still, experts say you should check the forecast before you go and stock your car with emergency supplies, just in case. And be glad you’re not on the roads in the Pacific Northwest or Intermountain West, where snow is on the horizon.