More than 2.2 million Floridians are expected to travel over Thanksgiving, by either driving, flying or some other mode of transportation, up by 3.6 percent from a year ago, AAA reported.
“This is definitely a positive sign for the travel industry,” said Brent Hubele, Vice President, AAA Travel. “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.”
While the average distance traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to decline to 706 miles, median spending will rise to $554, a 12 percent increase from $495 spent last year.
“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.
Hotel rates are expected also up and travelers are projected to spend an average of $145 per night compared to $136 last year.
Thanksgiving travelers will get a boon though on rental cars, where weekend daily car rental rates will average $37, an 11 percent decrease from last year, AAA said.
Nationwide, 42.5 million Americans will hit the roads or take a flight for the Thanksgiving period, up by 4 percent this year from 2010. The holiday period ranges from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27.
