DENVER (KDVR) - AAA has released its travel forecast for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, projecting one of the busiest travel periods on record. With an estimated 55.4 million travelers nationwide, this year's Thanksgiving ranks as the third-busiest in history, trailing only 2005 and 2019.

As millions of travelers converge on Denver, home to the third-busiest airport in the world, the city's traffic is expected to remain bustling throughout the holiday season. AAA has specifically identified Interstate 25 south from Fort Collins to Denver as one of the most congested routes to avoid.

According to AAA's analysis, the most unfavorable time to drive is on Friday at 5:45 p.m., with an estimated travel time of one hour and 37 minutes. However, the forecast also provides insights into the best and worst times to hit the roads during Thanksgiving weekend.

For those looking to avoid heavy traffic, AAA advises traveling during the following "best" times:

- Wednesday, Nov. 22: Before 11 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 23: Before 10 a.m., or after 5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 24: Before 11 a.m., or after 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25: Before 12 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26: Before 12 p.m.

On the other hand, AAA warns against driving during the following "worst" times:

- Wednesday, Nov. 22: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 23: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 24: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

While Thanksgiving travel is inevitable, AAA advises travelers to plan their journeys accordingly and allocate ample travel time to reach their destinations in time for the festivities.