Here’s why people in Florida should start thinking about their holiday travel now

Summer isn’t over yet, but Floridians are making plans to get away for the winter holidays. And if you haven’t yet, a travel organization is recommending you get to it soon before your options shrink.

Nearly two-thirds of Florida people interviewed, plan to take an overnight vacation between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to a new survey by AAA. That was the highest figure among 13 U.S. states assessed by the auto and travel association.

The group suggested that if you are still on the fence, you decide quickly.

“If you want to have choice in holiday plans, it would be best to book before October,” cautioned Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “This could help ensure you get the itinerary you want at a competitive price.”

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Among those who plan to travel, 61% of Floridians said they will start booking their trips by the end of September.

Over one-third, or 36%, did so before September even arrived. Only 15% wait until November, according to the report released on Sept. 5.

Among those planning to fly, 64% said they’ll book their tickets by the end of September. Only 13% said they would wait until November or December.

For those taking road trips, 74% said they would finalize plans at least one month in advance.

The AAA survey was conducted online among people living in Florida from July 11-16, 2024. Four-hundred people completed the AAA Consumer Pulse Survey.

Thanksgiving

More Floridians say they will travel for Thanksgiving or Christmas than for New Year’s. For Thanksgiving, 70% are planning a trip with at least one overnight stay. About 57% of travelers will have finalized those plans by the end of September.

AAA found that the busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. The group encouraged considering travel on the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving and Saturday after the holiday. Airport lines should be shorter, and flights should have more availability.

Yuletide cheer

For Christmas, 77% of Floridians are planning to hit the road. Only 6% of those will wait until December to finalize those plans. AAA said that “travelers should expect longer lines at the airport during the weekend and Monday before the holiday.”

The organization also gave advice for booking flights: Book soon and book a direct flight that leaves early in the morning.

“Afternoon and evening flights are more susceptible to delays/cancellations due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances,” the group said.

AAA also offered basic tips like traveling one or two days earlier than planned and leaving plenty of time for connecting flights if you can’t get a non-stop.