Central Florida drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump, and it’s not just their wallets taking a hit. For some, it’s their holiday travel plans, too.
With the national average for a gallon of regular gas sitting at $4.36, a new AAA travel survey found that 41% of people say budget concerns are one reason they haven’t started planning their trips yet. Another 36% say they’re simply waiting for lower prices.
While AAA reports that as of Wednesday, the average price of gas in the Sunshine State is $4.19, Central Florida drivers are paying even more. News 6 found prices as high as $4.39 per gallon at local stations.
“Yeah, it’s touchy,” driver John Wallace said while filling up.
The price jump is significant compared to just one year ago, when the national average was $3.18 per gallon, according to AAA.
The higher costs are pushing people to cut back in other areas of their lives.
“Of course [I am], I have to try to save for this,” Elizabeth Torres said.
Fellow driver Kathleen Taylor said she has had to trim several areas of her budget.
“Yes, I’ve cut down on entertainment, but I still have Spectrum with our basic cable through my HOA, and I’ve cut down on my food a little bit,” Taylor said.
High fuel costs are not only impacting road trips. Airlines are also paying more for jet fuel, which is driving up the cost of air travel.
While many travelers are holding off on booking in hopes that prices will drop, AAA warns that strategy could backfire. According to the survey, nearly half — 49% — of people who delayed booking a trip later paid more than they would have if they had booked sooner. Fifteen percent paid significantly more, while 34% paid somewhat more.
“Many travelers hope to find a better deal by waiting, but that strategy doesn’t always pay off,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “You don’t need to book the first itinerary you find, but now is a good time to research your options, compare prices, and make decisions before availability becomes more limited. That’s especially important for air travel, where fares can change quickly, and rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on ticket prices.”
“Yes, I am going to be cutting down on everything, staying closer to home,” Taylor said when asked about holiday plans.
AAA says now is the time to start planning for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s travel — even if the budget is not fully set. According to the survey, 26% of Floridians begin planning holiday trips during September and October, while only 10% wait until November or December.
Starting early gives travelers more flight options, greater hotel availability, more vacation package choices and more flexibility if plans change. The survey also found that overspending is the most common travel-planning regret, followed by waiting too long to book.
For those looking to stretch their budgets, AAA recommends considering travel before or after peak holiday weeks. Among travelers who prefer that approach, 51% cite lower prices, 49% cite fewer crowds and 33% say it reduces travel stress.
AAA’s top holiday travel planning tips include:
- Establish a budget before booking
- Compare multiple travel dates
- Consider traveling before or after peak holiday weeks
- Set price alerts and monitor fare changes
- Book once the itinerary aligns with your budget and priorities