TAMPA – As Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, AAA says now is the time for travelers to begin planning their Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's vacations.

According to a new AAA travel survey, one-quarter (26%) of Floridians begin planning holiday trips during September and October, while only 10% wait until November or December.

For many travelers, cost is driving those decisions. The survey found that budget concerns (41%) and waiting for lower prices (36%) are the leading reasons travelers delay booking trips. Yet that strategy often backfires. Nearly half (49%) of residents said they delayed booking a trip and later paid more than they would have if they booked earlier. Fifteen percent paid significantly more, while 34% paid somewhat more.

"Many travelers hope to find a better deal by waiting, but that strategy doesn't always pay off," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "You don't need to book the first itinerary you find, but now is a good time to research your options, compare prices, and make decisions before availability becomes more limited. That's especially important for air travel, where fares can change quickly, and rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on ticket prices."

The survey also found that staying within budget and finding the best price are travelers' biggest sources of planning stress. Overspending is the most common travel-planning regret, followed by waiting too long to book.

Why Do Travelers Wait to Book Trips?

• 41% cite budget concerns
• 36% are waiting for lower prices
• 26% are waiting for family or friends to commit
• 24% cite concerns about weather or travel disruptions

What Are the Benefits of Booking Holiday Travel Early?

Starting early gives travelers:

• More flight options
• Greater hotel availability
• More vacation package choices
• More flexibility if plans change
• More time to compare destinations and pricing
• The ability to optimize complicated vacation

Letting a Travel Advisor know your vacation interests early, will allow them to watch for deals and available options, that travelers don’t see otherwise. Travelers considering international vacations or multi-country itineraries may also benefit from professional travel planning assistance. According to the survey, those are the types of trips most likely to prompt travelers to work with a travel advisor.

How can Travelers Save Money on Holiday Travel?

Travelers looking to stretch their budgets may also benefit from avoiding peak holiday travel periods. Among travelers who prefer taking holiday vacations before or after the actual holiday week:

• 51% cite lower prices
• 49% cite fewer crowds
• 33% cite less travel stress

What are the Best Holiday Travel Planning Tips?

• Establish a budget before booking
• Compare multiple travel dates
• Consider traveling before or after peak holiday weeks
• Set price alerts and monitor fare changes
• Book once the itinerary aligns with your budget and priorities

When Should You Work with a Travel Agent?

Travelers planning complex vacations, cruises, international or multi-country itineraries, or family trips may benefit from working with a travel agent. AAA's travel survey found that international vacations and multi-country itineraries are the types of trips most likely to prompt travelers to seek professional assistance.

"Travelers are balancing price, flexibility, and peace of mind when planning vacations," said Jenkins. "A travel agent can help travelers compare options, maximize value, and understand important considerations before booking, especially for more complicated itineraries."

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 400 Florida residents from August 5–13, 2026. Survey results asked for all respondents have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9 percentage points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.