Millions of Americans are preparing to travel this July, but some families are reconsidering plans due to rising gas prices and patriotic celebrations leading up to America 250. For Kyrie Thompson and his family, the eight-hour drive from Sylvania, Georgia, to Orlando is a tradition they refuse to break. “We’ve been coming here over 20 years, staying at the same resort since they were toddlers,” Thompson said. Even with higher gas prices, Thompson said the road trip is non-negotiable. “We’re driving no matter of gas prices,” he said. AAA expects this trend to continue during the holiday, with more than 4 million people choosing to drive instead of flying. Experts say it takes a lot for people to stop traveling, and Orlando remains a major draw for visitors. The Orange County comptroller reported a record $37 million in tourist development tax collections for April. “I think people just don’t realize we live in an area where there’s so much to do of so much quality,” said Alan Fyall, Visit Orlando chair of tourism marketing at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality. Fyall added that visitors are adjusting their travel habits, opting to stay closer to their destinations once they arrive. For those hitting the road, AAA recommends shopping around for the best gas prices and driving conservatively to save money. “If you’re an aggressive driver, you slam on that accelerator. You’re going to do that gas tank a lot faster than a more conservative driver would,” said Mark Jenkins of AAA. For the Thompsons, these savings help ensure their family tradition continues. “For us, family vacation is a must,” Thompson said.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Millions of Americans are preparing to travel this July, but some families are reconsidering plans due to rising gas prices and patriotic celebrations leading up to America 250.
For Kyrie Thompson and his family, the eight-hour drive from Sylvania, Georgia, to Orlando is a tradition they refuse to break.
“We’ve been coming here over 20 years, staying at the same resort since they were toddlers,” Thompson said.
Even with higher gas prices, Thompson said the road trip is non-negotiable.
“We’re driving no matter of gas prices,” he said.
AAA expects this trend to continue during the holiday, with more than 4 million people choosing to drive instead of flying.
Experts say it takes a lot for people to stop traveling, and Orlando remains a major draw for visitors. The Orange County comptroller reported a record $37 million in tourist development tax collections for April.
“I think people just don’t realize we live in an area where there’s so much to do of so much quality,” said Alan Fyall, Visit Orlando chair of tourism marketing at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality.
Fyall added that visitors are adjusting their travel habits, opting to stay closer to their destinations once they arrive.
For those hitting the road, AAA recommends shopping around for the best gas prices and driving conservatively to save money.
“If you’re an aggressive driver, you slam on that accelerator. You’re going to do that gas tank a lot faster than a more conservative driver would,” said Mark Jenkins of AAA.
For the Thompsons, these savings help ensure their family tradition continues.
“For us, family vacation is a must,” Thompson said.