With the holidays in the rear-view, officials from the American Automobile Association say Floridians are beginning to make travel plans for the new year.
  In fact, a new AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey shows that 83 percent of Floridians plan to take at least one vacation of three days or more this year, requiring overnight accommodations. While that would be three percentage points lower than those who traveled last year, there are still 10 percent of travelers who are still undecided about this year’s plans.
Survey Highlights

  • 83% of Floridians plan take a vacation of 3 days or more in 2018. 10% are unsure
  • Last year, 86% took a vacation of 3 days or more
  • Most popular times to travel – The second quarter (53%) and the third quarter (49%)
  • Most popular vacations – city/major metro destination (34%), beach destination (30%), theme park (27%), and ocean/large cruise (26%).
  “Strong economic growth led to a record number of holiday travelers last year, and we expect that momentum to carry into 2018,” said Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President, Travel Sales Development, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Some of the harsh winter weather we have experienced could be the catalyst that drives more travelers to seek warm weather destinations in the coming months.
 
Spring Break
Although January and February are usually slower months for travel, things begin to pick up in March for spring break. More than half (55%) of travelers will take a spring break vacation of 3 days or more. That number is even larger among Millennials (80%).
  “Spring Break has a reputation of being a time for students to go party with friends,” Evans continued. “While that is certainly true, more than half of millennials (61%) say they will travel with family. This is the time of year when cruises and beach hotels are booked solid, and things can get costly as a result. So spring travelers should make their plans now, to get the best options and price.”
Summer Travel
Traveling during the summer is even more popular than spring. More than three-quarters (79%) of Floridians will take at least one summer vacation (requiring overnight accommodations), sometime between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.
  • 43% – 1 summer vacation
  • 32% – 2-3 summer vacations
  • 4% – 4-5 summer vacations
  • 13% – unsure
  “Booking a vacation during the summer is similar to spring, in that beach destinations remain popular,” Evans continued. “However, travelers should not forget about hurricane season, and consider purchasing travel insurance. Certain coverages can help offset non-reimbursable expenses. One of the requirements is that you purchase the policy before a storm is named.”
  Of course, our suggestions are that you watch and see if you can find a new fun zone here in Florida and enjoy it to the fullest! Keep your eye on the Florida Fun Zone and feel free to join us at the Florida Fun Travel Facebook group!