AAA Predicts Increase in Holiday Travel
Friday, November 18, 2011
By: Nicole Creston

November 18, 2011 | WMFE - AAA's Thanksgiving travel projections are out, and they're showing a surprising increase in travel among Floridians.

About 2.2 million Floridians are expected to hit the road and head 50 miles or more away from home, according to AAA’s Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast. That projection is up 3.6 percent over last year.

Although airports including Orlando International are expected to be busy, AAA says 90 percent of those traveling will drive, not fly. The estimate comes in spite of higher gas prices - a gallon of regular costs about $3.39 in Florida, up from $2.88 this time last year.

AAA’s forecast numbers are also up nationwide, with more than 42.5 million Americans expected to travel between November 23^rd and November 27^th. That’s 4 percent higher than in 2010.

So, why the rise despite continuing economic troubles? Officials with AAA say many Americans have given up vacations for the last few years to save money, and they’ve simply grown tired of putting financial concerns before quality time with family and friends.