When's The Best Time To Hit N.C. Roads For Thanksgiving Travel

MOORESVILLE, NC -- Planning to hit the road for Thanksgiving, but dreading the Charlotte traffic that goes along with that? Google wants to help.

The search and Web services giant has mapped out traffic and search trends for major cities, including Charlotte, and has some advice on the best, and worst, times to hit the road this year.

On your way out of town, Google suggests waiting until the last minute. The best time to leave will be 4 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, according to the company's results.

The worst time? Traffic is going to be a turkey if you leave around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Google says.

When you're on your way home, an early start on Friday is your best bet. Get going at 4 a.m. on Friday and you'll be in good shape. Wait until Saturday at 4 p.m., though, and a stuffing-and-cranberries hangover won't be your only problem.

The rest of the country follows similar trends. According to Google, late Wednesday afternoon will be the busiest time on the road, while Thanksgiving morning will be the best.

If you can't do Saturday morning, early Sunday may be your next best bet. Avoid both Friday and Saturday afternoons though, Google says.

Google, of course, is also keeping an eye on what folks are searching for online during the holiday season. In North Carolina, the most popular uniquely popular search is for vacation home rental agencies.

Nationwide, the searches that spike around Thanksgiving, according to Google, are pretty easy to figure out — ham shops, outlet malls, tree farms, natural features and electronics stores.

To see more, check out Google's Mapping Thanksgiving page.

Based on original reporting by Patch Editor Doug Gross

Photo via Pixabay