This week, AAA forecast a 2.4 percent decrease in the number of Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home during the impending Labor Day weekend. Several factors are contributing to this expected decrease — a mixed economic outlook, consumer economic uncertainty, increasing air fares and hotel rates, as well as a general uptick in the travel price index due to rising transportation costs. As airfares have risen some 13 percent, for the first time this year, the number of holiday air travelers are expected to decline for a major travel holiday.
AAA forecasts that 31.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day weekend. The 2011 Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, September 1 to Monday, September 5. Approximately 27.3 million people plan to take to the nation's roadways, a slight increase from the 27.2 million Labor Day 2010 auto travelers. Just two and a half million leisure travelers are expected to fly during next weekend, a 1.9 percent decrease from 2010.
Of course, AAA's projection was made earlier this week, before Hurricane Irene began to pummel the East Coast this weekend. While there are no other tropical disturbances on the horizon that might affect next weekend's weather, power outages, transportation shutdowns and other effects of Hurricane Irene is certain to have an impact on travel in and out of that region for days to come.
Florida's weather for the next 10 days should be normal for this time of year, calling for the usual scattered showers with temperatures in the high-80s to mid-90s, depending on your location. Check here for specific average temperatures and rainfall for your location.
More Florida Travel Information:
- Is It Cheaper to Drive or Fly?
- Florida Driving Distance Charts
- Florida Air Travel Guide
- Florida Driving Guide
If you're planning a road trip to Disney World, these before-you-go, on-the-road, and once-you-get-there tips are sure to be helpful.
Photo © Sarah Henthorn