Florida – A recent analysis by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that Floridians heading for Thanksgiving this year paid somewhat more for gas than they did during their holiday travel last year. Still, the increase was small enough to probably not discourage holiday travelers.
The average gas price in Florida on Thanksgiving Day was $3.13 per gallon, up 10 cents from the same time last year. Though there was a small increase, this year’s rates were nevertheless a comfort when compared to 2022, when holiday drivers paid almost 30 cents more per gallon.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins pointed out that most locals’ travel plans were unlikely to be impacted by the price rise.
“Thanksgiving gas prices in Florida gas prices were slightly more expensive than a year ago, yet it’s doubtful that prevented people from taking a trip,” said Mark Jenkins.
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Florida’s average gas price in the week before Thanksgiving was $3.11 per gallon, reflecting a meager one cent change from the week before. Although the state’s gas prices stay among the most consistent in the nation, there are clear geographical variations. AAA claims that Naples, Homosassa Springs, and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton were the most costly metro regions for gas. Drivers in Pensacola, Panama City, and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach witnessed the lowest prices meanwhile.
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As families prepare for their Christmas trips, AAA emphasized a number of methods for cutting fuel expenses. These include lightening the load in vehicles, using apps or websites to find the best local gas prices, paying with cash to avoid credit card fees, combining errands to decrease driving, and adopting fuel-efficient driving practices such as accelerating gradually and maintaining stable speeds.
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The company also revealed intentions to publish its Year-End Holiday Travel forecast on December 11, providing information on expected travel trends for the approaching Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Comprehensive statistics on the number of Thanksgiving visitors won’t be available, though, until the holiday projection for next year.
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Millions of Floridians probably drove on Thanksgiving to see family and friends, despite the little rise in gas costs. Although many still take fuel expenses into account, they are rarely an obstacle across the Christmas season when the focus moves to togetherness and celebration. Drivers may look forward to ongoing AAA updates on fuel costs and travel trends as the year draws to an end, helping drivers managing their travel plans more accurately.
Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view state and local average gas prices
