Where are fall travelers going?
According to AAA, Orlando is the top destination for 28 percent of Americans on the go between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
Orlando is the top destination for fall travelers booking their trips through AAA, the travel club said.
More than a fourth of Americans, or 28 percent, intend to take a vacation between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
In Central Florida, that’s a period traditionally known more for convention travelers than family theme-park crowds. AAA says its travelers list “fewer crowds and children” in a recent survey asking about reasons to travel during the fall, and even a “best kept secret” in the words of senior vice president of travel and publishing Bill Sutherland.
“Travelers increasingly prioritize immersive travel experiences and autumn offers more opportunities for them to explore a destination’s local culture, thanks to fewer crowds and mild weather,” he said in a release Tuesday.
Cost also was listed as a reason for fall tourism, with 55 percent of travelers saying better value is a factor in the timing. Travel companies offer fall incentives, Sutherland said.
“Savvy travelers can often find lower prices on everything from airfare to and hotels to cruises and vacation packages,” he said.
The expectation of Orlando being a top fall destination comes on the heels of a surge in August hotel bookings as measured by STR, which tracks lodging data.
Of those expecting to make a trip during the fall, 62 percent intend to travel by car, AAA said. Gas prices are down four cents during the last week, after they spiked in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma amid supply concerns.
Other top domestic bookings cited by AAA include Anaheim, Calif.; Honolulu; New York; and Las Vegas. International travelers favored trips to Rome, London and Dublin. The report surveyed about 1,000 adults living in the U.S. in the first week of August.
28 percent of Americans intend to take a vacation between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.