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Despite lower gas prices, survey predicts fewer holiday travelers


By Karen Voyles
Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 12:40 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.

Florida’s highways and skyways may be slightly less busy this Thanksgiving weekend than in recent years despite the recent significant decline in gas prices.

PROJECTED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TRAVELERS
Florida travelers: 2.4 million (2,149,944 by auto and 278,010 by air)
Travelers nationwide: 10 million (8.8 million by auto and 1.2 million by air)

Distance likely to be traveled:

28 percent - 250 miles or less
21 percent - 251 to 500 miles
14.5 percent - 501 to 1,000 miles
36.5 percent - more than 1,000 miles

Source: AAA Auto Club South

Based on a national survey completed by the Travel Industry Association for AAA, about 41 million Americans plan to take a trip of 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving. That represents a 1.4 percent decline from a year ago.

In a news release, AAA officials said recent declines in gas prices may make some Americans reconsider and take a trip. Gas prices are down an average of a dollar a gallon from this time last year.

“While it’s clear that the slowing economy has caused many of us to curb spending, this holiday that celebrates family traditions might see actual travel numbers that are better than expected, especially with gasoline prices continuing to fall,” said Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of AAA Auto Club South. “The lower priced gasoline may persuade some who weren’t inclined to travel to change their minds.”


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  1. Opinions everyone has one says...
    November 18, 2008 6:30:59 pm

    RE: Link

    I am glad gas has come down, really I am, but now that I have NO JOB, who can afford to travel.

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  2. NLC717 says...
    November 19, 2008 6:31:26 am

    I can't afford to travel either but over the year I have put away $5 or $10 a week just to save for gas so I can drive to NJ to be with
    my family for the Christmas holidays.

    Its probably the only vacation I get for the year and I don't have to pay for a hotel or
    meals when I get there.

    Something worth doing..and my kids will have a much merrier holiday since we will be around family (No thanks to hubby who walked out of our lives)!!!

    Report this post

  3. Bawble says...
    November 20, 2008 7:56:22 am

    The price of gasoline is not the only factor in holiday travel. The economy will make responsible people less likely to to go further in debt and will affect all parts of the usual hoilday season.
    It's not a New Jersy "thing", people from there are widely known for their friendly non-threatening, un-aggressive, comforting demeanor.

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