OVIEDO, Fla. – If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, prepare for a busy week on the road and in the skies.
AAA on Sunday released its travel forecast for the upcoming holiday travel period, estimating that 55.4 million Americans will travel next week, an increase of 2.3% over last year. Most people will drive to their destinations for Thanksgiving, the travel agency said.
According to AAA, travel demand has been strong all year. The group says 49 million people are expected to get behind the wheel next week and 4.7 million are expected to fly.
“We are anticipating about 87,000 more Floridians will be traveling than last year’s Thanksgiving holiday,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesperson.
The agency says it works out to more than 3 million Floridians traveling more than 50 miles during the holiday period.
The holiday travel forecast comes as Florida gas prices have dipped again after rising unexpectedly last week.
The state average last Monday was $3.16 per gallon before reaching $3.23 two days later.
Though AAA said the jump at the pump was short-lived by the time the weekend came around and oil prices are now at multi-month lows, which should help keep gas prices low through the holidays.
Pat Parker was able to buy gas Monday for under $3 in Oviedo while on her way to work and said she’s noticed the roller coaster prices over the last few days.
“I pay $2.99 for gas, I work a four-hour shift, I come out from work, and it’s $3.39. I swear in a matter of four hours. Like what is going on?” Parker said.
“I did not know it was $2.96. I don’t look because you just gotta get gas to get where you’re going so it’s great to hear it’s $2.96,” Erin Montgomery said.
On Monday, the state average for regular gas in Florida is $3.17 a gallon.
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