TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – With the official start of summer just around the corner, a growing number of Floridians are planning to travel, despite ongoing economic concerns.

According to a recent American Automobile Association survey, 60% of Floridians say they’ll take a vacation in the coming months. That’s up 56% from last year. Of those, the majority plan to travel within the U.S.

AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said geopolitical concerns and immigration policies are deterring some international tourists, which is creating an atmosphere for domestic travelers to save.

“Fewer international travelers going into the U.S. means more availability as well so that’s contributing to some of the discounts and incentives that American travelers can take advantage of,” Jenkins said.

More Tallahassee news:

The AAA survey showed nearly 60% of Floridians planning to go on vacation said they have personal financial concerns. Jenkins said despite money challenges, many are still making travel a top priority.

“If you take a look at discretionary spending, travel and making those experiences remain number one on the list,” he said. “With summer here, school is out, people have vacations planned and they’re looking to get together with their families.”

He also noted that road trips remain a budget-friendly option for large families, with local gas prices averaging $2.92 per gallon, slightly lower than last year.

As for air travel, Tallahassee International Airport is expecting more than 240,000 passengers in June and July according to Director of Aviation David Pollard.

The peak summer travel season is the same statewide, with top destinations including beaches, theme parks and major cities, according to AAA.

Travel experts recommend booking trips as early as possible to keep some money in your wallet and lock in the best options. Experts also say to look for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to find better deals.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs attention? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.