Holiday travelers to reach record numbers

Get ready for some long driving hours this week if you plan on traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday.

With the large amount of people expected on the roads, major cities expect to see traffic backups.

Drivers, on the other hand, just say they are excited to meet up with family and enjoy some good food together.

Tuesday evening, the roads were looking pretty clear, but it may be the calm before the storm as a record number of drivers are expected this year.

According to AAA, 2.8 million Floridians are expected to travel during this holiday week, the most since 2007. But it also signals the economy which is looking strong.

FGCU Economist Shelton Weeks says the great economy leads to consumer confidence, and that translates into more travel.

Bob Thomas just made it to Fort Myers and was traveling from Illinois.

“Everybody’s got more money, everybody’s got a job, they can afford to do things they’re not normally accustomed to do,” he said.

Shelton said the boost in travel could also mean a boost in business.

“We had kind of a rough fall with issues with water and some businesses were really hurt by that so the fact that we’re getting a strong travel season should help,” he said.

Nearly the lowest gas prices in Southwest Florida all year will also help people while they enjoy the holiday. On average, it’s $2.41 a gallon in Fort Myers compared to $2.48 statewide and $2.61 nationally.

Experts expect the economy and even low gas prices to continue for some time.

For Southwest Florida International Airport arrival and departure information, you can visit their website here.