Florida - Floridians are expected to take more time this summer to enjoy their vacations, and they plan to spend more money to do it, according to a new AAA survey.
The survey found that 67% of Floridians are planning at least one vacation day of three days or more. Of those surveyed, 43% said they will take more vacations than last year. Nearly half (45%) said they would spend more money on their vacations this year, while 36% said they would spend the same amount. 39% of those who responded said their vacation would be longer than last year.
AAA determines the summer travel season as Memorial Day through Labor Day. This Memorial Day weekend brought in the most Memorial Day travelers in 12 years, according to Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President of Travel and Sales Development.
"So far this year, AAA has seen tremendous growth in travel bookings compared to last year. This survey suggests that momentum will continue, creating the busiest summer season in more than a decade," says Evans.
Mark Jenkins, a spokesperson with AAA, says that year-to-date, travel bookings in Florida increased 16% compared to the same time last year. "People are citing reasons like an improved financial situation, they have more time to travel, and they feel better about the economy," explains Jenkins.
Jenkins says that relatively low gas prices continue to make it more affordable for Floridians to take a road trip. Current average gas price for Florida stand at $2.32 a gallon (compared to $2.37 a year ago). In Daytona, the average is $2.30 a gallon.
When it comes to domestic versus international travel, the majority of Floridians plan to stay in the States. 71% of Floridians do not plan to leave the United States for their vacation.
The AAA survey was conducted online and completed by a total of 400 residents living in Florida from April 11, 2017 - April 19, 2017. Responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population in Florida.
In case you're planning your summer getaway, below are AAA's Top Summer Travel Destinations in North America:
1. Orlando, FL
2. Vancouver, Canada
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Seattle, Washington
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Anaheim, California
8. Anchorage Alaska
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
10. Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017
