Floridians set fall travel plans after hot summer

Floridians are eager to get out of town this fall as a hot summer comes to a close.

A survey released Thursday by AAA said 73 percent of Florida residents plan to travel between September and November and the biggest reason has been the state’s steamy weather.

Better weather was the biggest factors for people in Florida wanting an escape, with 56 percent of respondents citing weather as a factor.

“Whether you travel domestic or internationally, there are many advantages to a fall vacation,” said a statement from Matt Nasworthy, Florida public affairs director for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The weather cools off and students are back in school, leaving smaller crowds at popular attractions.”

Fall is also usually a cheaper time to travel as airfares drop from summer peaks and gas prices begin to fall as well with lower demand.

Some 46 percent of travelers in Florida said off-peak prices are a factor in traveling in fall along with 44 percent saying smaller crowds.

Floridians are split on how they will get away with 51 percent taking a car trip and 50 percent going by air. About 20 percent said they are planning to take a cruise.

With summer ending AAA said that gas prices should drop about 14 cents a gallon this autumn, although there is the risk that prices could go higher if there is international turmoil because of U.S.-led sanctions on Iranian crude oil.

“Gas prices usually follow a downward trend in the fall, due to lower demand and the switch to a cheaper-to-produce winter-blend gasoline,” Nasworthy said.