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AAA: Florida, Nation Will See Record Travel for the Holiday Season

December 14, 2017 - 9:15am

More Americans than ever before plan to travel for the holidays and the Sunshine State is poised to benefit, a new study finds. 

AAA released a report on Thursday showing a record number 107.3 million Americans plan to travel between December 23 and January 1. That’s up 3.1 percent from last year. Most of these Americans--97.4 million of them--will drive while 6.4 million will fly and 3.6 million will travel by train, bus or cruise ships. 

Floridians are also expected to hit the road over the holidays with 5 million of them driving, 306,000 flying and 211,000 traveling by train, bus or cruise ships. 

"Overall, our research shows that Americans are doing better than last year and want to go somewhere for the holidays," said Vicky Evans, the assistant vice president of AAA Travel. "Whether they are going home or visiting a new destination, Americans have more money to finance their travel plans, thanks to a stronger economy and growing consumer confidence.

"Depending on where your travels take you, consider using a travel agent to plan your final trip of the year," Evans added. "Of course, winter weather can be unpredictable, and cause unexpected issues like flight delays or cancellations. If that happens to you, the right travel insurance plan will help offset out-of-pocket expenses."

Many of those travelers across the country will be headed to the Sunshine State as Orlando ranks as the top destination for Americans this holiday season followed by Anaheim. Two other Florida locations are also top travel destinations with Miami ranked eighth and Fort Lauderdale right behind it as the ninth most popular place to travel to for the holidays. 

Still, there are hazards that come with crowded roadways. AAA pointed to data  from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles which showed more than 10,000 accidents in last year’s holiday season. There were also more than 110 deaths and almost 1,600 DUI arrests 

“No matter where you’re headed for the holidays, it’s important to make safety a priority,” said Amy Stracke, the executive director of the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation and the managing director of traffic safety advocacy for AAA and the Auto Club Group. ”Always buckle up and make sure everyone in the vehicle does the same. Also, leave early so there’s no need to rush, and avoid distracted and impaired driving.”

 


READ MORE FROM SUNSHINE STATE NEWS

As Holidays Draw Near, Gas Prices Continue to Drop in Florida

Gas Prices Slowly Dropping Across Florida

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