Florida – AAA estimates that 4.1 million Floridians will be on the road this week as they get ready for Thanksgiving festivities. While drivers should be ready to feel the pain at the pump as gas prices keep rising, the holiday is looking to be among the busiest travel times in years.
Florida’s average gas price on Sunday climbed to $3.12 per gallon from $3.01 only a week earlier. Though prices remain below the $3.41 per gallon seen during the 2022 holiday season, this minor gain signals a significant rise above the $3.03 average from Thanksgiving 2023. With crude oil prices rising 6% last week and hovering at $71.24 per barrel, expenses are rising as well. AAA links the spike to escalating geopolitical issues, especially the continuous crisis in Ukraine, which has sparked concerns of interrupting world crude supply.
Despite the higher costs, AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins believes the increases won’t deter most holiday travelers.
“An uptick in oil prices has restored upward pressure on pump prices as a record number of Americans prepare to hit the holiday road,” Jenkins said. “Oil prices increased last week on concerns that rising tensions in Ukraine could impact global crude supplies.”
Regional price disparities
Gas prices in Florida vary greatly; some places are more impacted than others. At $3.28 per gallon, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton is expected to have the highest costs; Naples comes in second at $3.20 and Homosassa Springs comes in third at $3.18. On average, drivers in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area can expect the lowest rates—$2.75 per gallon. With respective costs of $2.77 and $2.86 per gallon, Panama City and Pensacola are also among the more reasonably priced areas.
These geographical differences underline the need of advance planning. For people who drive great distances, even little savings per gallon can mount up throughout a road trip.
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Tips for saving at the pump
AAA advises many fuel-saving techniques and cost-cutting tactics to assist offset growing expenses. Among these are:
- Combine errands: Combining errands will help to greatly cut travel time and fuel consumption by reducing the number of trips needed.
- Shop around: Look for the best local gas prices using apps or websites.
- Pay with cash: Many outlets charge more for credit card purchases, hence purchasing with cash could result in savings.
- Lighten your load: Eliminating extraneous weight from your car will increase fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent for every 100 pounds taken off.
- Drive smart: Steer clear of aggressive driving habits include fast acceleration and speed, which can lower fuel economy.
Holiday travel trends
AAA estimates that over 4.5 million Floridians will travel overall over Thanksgiving; road trips remain the most common option. Americans using the holiday to re-connect with family and friends represents a larger national trend. Although fuel prices are greater than they have been in past years, they nevertheless remain well below historical highs, therefore guaranteeing that most travelers will follow the path.
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For those traveling the roadways, planning and patience will be essential. Millions of drivers expected on the road means that traffic congestion will probably get worse, especially around famous tourist areas and metropolitan centers. AAA advises consumers to schedule alternate routes, depart early, and make sure their cars are road-ready before starting their travels.
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Floridians might have to dig a little deeper into their wallets as Thanksgiving draws near, but the promise of precious time with loved ones will surely make the journey worthwhile.
