Since I moved back to South Dakota six years ago, I no longer have to travel at Thanksgiving. But I clearly remember the times that I did brave the airlines or the roads for turkey, green bean casserole , pumpkin pie (with Cool Whip® ), and a huge helping of family dysfunction. Usually the trips were chock full of adventures—although to be fair, nothing can compare to Steve Martin’s experience in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles." 

When I was in college , there was a "ride share" board in our student union, and students used it to find transportation home for breaks and holidays. Drivers would post where they were going (i.e., metro Twin Cities; Lincoln, Neb.) and when they were leaving (i.e., Tuesday at 3 p.m.; after the last Bio lab). Students needing rides could contact the drivers or post their own requests.

I didn’t need a ride—my family lived across town —but I often marveled at the effectiveness of this simple system: Share a little, get a little. Those needing rides got where they needed to go, and the drivers got funds for gas and additional people power for digging the car out of a snowbank (typical for Midwestern Thanksgivings).

No matter how—or even if—you travel for Thanksgiving, here's wishing you and yours a bountiful holiday!

Editor’s note: The Student LoanDown team is taking the rest of the week off to cook, eat, and contribute to the economy. We’ll be back the week of November 27.