This Labor Day it seems like everyone is hitting the road for one last summer adventure. The number of travelers on the road this long weekend is expected to be record breaking, higher than they've been in nine years. Up to 33.4 million Americans are set to travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday weekend, according to AAA. That number is up 1.8% from last year and tops a previous high, set in 1995 of 33.2 million. But vacationer has more than sunscreen and mosquitoes to keep in mind this weekend. They also need to keep in mind the ever-rising gas prices, the anything but perfect weather, and the safety of themselves and loved ones while on the road.
These days gas is anything but cheap, with prices averaging $1.74 per gallon. A lot of this is said to be due to the workers strike in Venezuela and the conflict in Iraq. However that's not stopping Americans from traveling. From July 19 to August 15 Americans used 9.4 million barrels per day the highest four-week period on record, said Doug Macintyre, an analysts for the Federal Energy Information Administration. Also, the biggest two-week jump in history. At least here in Tampa we can look to the bright side, our gas prices are nine to fifteen cents cheaper than many other Florida cities.
Lately the weather here in Florida leaves much to be desired. Or maybe the beautiful postcard images we all love are just that, postcard images. With very little to do with the actual weather we encounter on an everyday basis. This August has been the 4th wettest ever in history. Our afternoon showers seem to be on a timer from hell, erupting every afternoon between four and five o"clock p.m. Then when it's not raining it's so warm and muggy that going outside hardly seems worth it. But that won't put a damper on weekend plans; people will still be out and about, despite the fact that we"ll have a 45-75% chance of rain. And tropical storm Fabian lurking in the water.
