MICHAEL PISTELLA<\/p>\n
Motorists wait to turn left onto Veterans Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard North on Monday.<\/p>\n
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has officially arrived, as Thanksgiving sees millions travel to gather for the November gathering of friends and family.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Expert forecasters are predicting a record year for Turkey Day travel in Florida. AAA-The Auto Club Group projects that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State, according to AAA.<\/p>\n
Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That\u2019s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cFloridians are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,\u201d said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA \u2013 The Auto Club Group, in a release. \u201cWhether it\u2019s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.\u201d<\/p>\n
AAA experts project that nearly 73 million Americans will travel by car this Thanksgiving, representing almost 90% of all holiday travelers. In Florida, more than 4.25 million residents will drive to their destinations, according to AAA. Experts state that number could rise if travelers opt to avoid potential flight disruptions.<\/p>\n
Floridians have seen a hike at the pumps recently, as Florida gas prices rose 20 center per gallon last week, according to AAA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFlorida gas prices jumped 20 cents last week, following a familiar trend of rising after a series of declines,\u201d said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, in a release. \u201cIf that pattern holds, drivers could see prices ease as they hit the road for Thanksgiving. With pump prices matching last year\u2019s holiday, even a small drop would give travelers extra savings compared to 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
AAA officials state they expect to be very busy helping stranded motorists during the holiday period. Last Thanksgiving, AAA received more than 600,000 calls from drivers with dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur roadside technicians will spend their holiday helping others, and we ask drivers to give them the space they need to work safely,\u201d Jenkins continued. \u201cWhen you see flashing lights-whether from an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or disabled car-please slow down and move over, so our team can return home safely to their families.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to INRIX, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested travel times before Thanksgiving. Experts state that heavy traffic is expected all day Sunday as travelers return home. AAA recommends leaving early and staying alert for construction, crashes, or weather delays.<\/p>\n
When it comes to air travel, AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. AAA experts state that in Florida, nearly 299,000 residents will take to the skies, and that given recent flight reductions, that number could end up being lower as flights get cancelled or travelers make other plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,\u201d Haas continued. \u201cConsider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n
AAA is once again offering its \u201cTow to Go\u201d program to help keep impaired drivers off the road. The service will be active from 6 p.m. on Nov. 26, through 6 a.m. on Dec. 1 across select states, including Florida.<\/p>\n
Tow to Go provides a free, confidential ride and tow for impaired drivers and their vehicles to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. Open to both AAA members and non-members, the program is designed as a last-resort safety net when other options, like a designated driver or rideshare, fall through.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince holiday celebrations can lead to risky choices, AAA offers Tow to Go to prevent those choices from turning into tragedies,\u201d stated Jenkins. \u201cIf you find yourself without a safe ride, call AAA and we\u2019ll help get you and your vehicle to a safe place.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Tow to Go services, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.<\/p>\n
\u201cAAA encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly by planning ahead,\u201d Jenkins continued. \u201cDesignate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay overnight if needed. Together we can make this Thanksgiving a safe and joyful one for all.\u201d<\/p>\n