Thanksgiving Travel Weekend Goes Smoothly
November 26, 2007. The Thanksgiving travel weekend went smoothly for the most part, according to news reports filed Monday. Thousands of Americans took to the roads and skies, heading to luxury vacation rentals or to see relatives. The worst problems seemed to occur in the South, where rain caused accidents on crowded roads.
ABC News ran a report called "Worst Travel Day? Not This Year." American Automobile Association spokespeople noted that record gas prices didn't keep people at home, and the Federal Aviation Administration found few delays.
The news was mixed for Black Friday retail sales. According to Bloomberg, overall sales were up but each shopper spent less on average. The paradox was traced to major discounts designed to lure more shoppers in a season predicted to be lackluster.
The National Retailers Federation predicted "the slowest increase in sales in five years. Customers have cut back on spending in the face of increased costs for milk and gasoline and the worst housing slump in 16 years," Bloomberg reported.
For consumers who need to watch their spending this year, vacation rentals could provide a price-conscious alternative for winter travel. Ski cabins and beach houses with enough room to lower the per-person rate might be the best option.
