NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, according to AAA.
More than 54 million people are predicted to be traveling more than 50 miles this Thanksgiving. That number is up by at least two and a half million people from last year. Of those travelers, 30.6 million of them will be taking to the skies.
"My whole family lives in Virginia, and then my mom and I live in Florida, and my sister lives in Pennsylvania. It’s like we only see each other once, maybe twice a year,” said Emily Dimonaco, who was picking up her sister at the Norfolk International Airport on Wednesday.
Then there is the Colbert family. Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without their dad. He's been serving his country in Bahrain for the past six months.
"I’m really excited for daddy to come home,” said daughter Abby Colbert.
"Holidays are hard to be alone, to be apart, so I'm happy he'll be back," said wife Mary Colbert.
It was certainly an uplifting homecoming for Commander Evan Colbert.
"It’s perfect timing, couldn't ask for a better welcome, couldn't ask for a better welcome at the airport," said Evan Colbert.
For other families, Thanksgiving travel means going somewhere for the first time. This will be the first turkey-day Ayden Mason ever spends in New Orleans with his aunt and uncle.
When some think about Thanksgiving, football often comes to mind, unless you're the George family. They'll be watching Maddie play high school field hockey in Florida.
"Two games on Thursday, two games on Friday, and two games on Saturday," said dad, Joe George.
However, in-between gobbling up all those goals, there will be a giant feast for the players and their most loyal fans.
"It’s like family, it's like visiting family, and enjoying the holidays with them," said mom Kris George.
Just like any other Thanksgiving dinner, things could always get a little weird.
"if it's not a good game it's going to be a very awkward dinner," said Maddie George.
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