JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you're hitting the road, which 46.3 MILLION Americans are, be prepared for that holiday traffic. AAA said the travel forecast is a good sign that people are feeling more confident financially about their future.
"We will leave in plenty of time. [We] never get in a rush, [we] take our time and enjoy," said John Bernard.
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It's that time of year again; people hitting the road to visit their loved ones during the holidays. AAA said more will travel this holiday season than any other year since 2007.
"Consumer confidence is part of it a lot of people feel like the economy is getting better, and then again with the decrease in gas prices people have a little more disposable income," said AAA spokesperson, Bill Bishop.
More money in their pockets and more pep in their step, that's how Bishop said many Americans are feeling this Thanksgiving.
Out of the 46.3 million people traveling this holiday weekend, 89% of them will drive. That's the most auto travelers in seven years, when there were 43 million in 2007.
In Florida 2,239,260 will hit the road, with 1,307,250 leaving from Georgia.
Because many people like to relax and have a good time during the holidays, Bishop is reminding people to always have a designated driver. He also said if you're traveling with kids, be prepared to keep them entertained.
"Make sure you take some things to occupy the kids' time so they're not a distraction to you as a driver... Remember, driving is the most important thing you do in the vehicle and you need to minimizes all other distractions," said Bishop.
"Just be very very careful, you don't want to get in an accident and ruin your holiday or someone else's," said Kim Kinney, a Jacksonville shopper.
Bishop said air travel is also up, but so many more people choose to drive because it's more convenient and hotel and airfares have both gone up since last year.
If you plan on having a holiday cocktail or two and don't have a designated driver, AAA will pick you up for free whether you're a member or not. If you're in Florida or Georgia you can call 855-2-TOW-2GO.