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Floridians will set record numbers for travel this holiday season

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida)A record-setting six million Floridians will travel more than 50 miles in the next two weeks for Christmas and New Year, according to AAA.  

This is a 4.8 percent increase over 2017. 90 percent of those will be traveling by car, with the busiest day on Florida roads expected to be Thursday, December 20.  

Those driving will see the lowest holiday gas prices in three years at $2.31 per gallon, and fuel costs about $7 per tank less than it did this summer.  

Meanwhile, air travel is also at a 15-year high, with the busiest airport days being December 22 and 26. AAA Spokesman W. D. Williams says travelers need to pack their patience over the next two weeks. 

“Expect it to be crowded. Expect it to be busy. These are the holidays, and everybody that’s around you is also traveling to Grandma’s house," said Williams. "Just keep a little Christmas cheer in your heart, and be patient. Just know it’s going to take a little bit longer, and allow for that.” 

Nationally, three of the top ten travel destinations this holiday season are in the Sunshine State, including top-ranked Orlando along with Fort Lauderdale and Miami.