Despite increased costs, Thanksgiving travel is projected to be up 3.6 percent from a year ago in Florida, with nearly 2.4 million Floridians driving, flying or taking another form of transit to reach a holiday destination, AAA reported.
"This is definitely a positive sign for the travel industry, Brent Hubele, vice president of AAA Travel, stated in a release. Despite sluggish economic news, more people plan to travel this year than last, showing a slow but steady recovery. Pent-up demand is likely the dominant factor contributing to the increase in the number of holiday travelers.
The average traveler is expected to put in 706 miles during the holiday period, spending $554. A year ago, the typical holiday traveler spent $495.
Fuel and transportation costs combine to consume the largest share of holiday spending (33 percent), followed by shopping (18 percent) and food and beverages (18 percent), AAA reported.
Air travel is projected to be up 1.8 percent from 2010, even with airfares 20 percent higher than a year ago. The average lowest round-trip rate among the top 40 U.S. air routes is $212.
The average hotel costs are also up from a year ago, with a room now going for $145 per night at midrange lodging, with the same room going for $136 a year ago.
One area in which costs have decreased is auto rentals, which are down 11 percent.
Holiday travel in Georgia will be up 3.3 percent, while Tennessee will see a 4.4 percent jump in Thanksgiving travelers.
Nationally, 42.5 million people will be on the roads or in the sky for the holiday period that ranges from Nov. 23-27.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859 or (772) 215-9889.
