AAA predicts that 1.6 million Floridians will hit the road, traveling at least 50 miles, for the Memorial Day weekend.

The number would be a 1.2 percent increase from 2011.

Nationally, the auto club group projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, May 24-28, an increase of 1.2 percent -- or 500,000 travelers -- from last year.
 
“The overall economic picture in the U.S. continues to improve; however, Americans faced an unexpected challenge this year as gas prices broke record highs for the first quarter of the year and squeezed many household budgets,” Brent Hubele, vice president of AAA Travel, stated in a release.

“We’re still expecting an uptick in the number of Americans traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but many will compensate for their reduced travel budgets by staying closer to home or choosing cost-inclusive vacation options like cruises and tour travel packages.”

Nearly half the people interviewed reported gas prices would impact their plans by taking shorter trips, cutting back on entertainment plans, and seeking out lower priced hotels or staying with friends to reduce expenses.