Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Season Expected to Hit Roads and Airports

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Holiday travelers are gearing up for what could be the busiest travel season on record. According to Triple-A, more than 122 million Americans are planning to travel 50 miles or more between December 20th and New Year's Day—a jump of more than two percent compared to last year.

Flying Gets Crowded Too

The surge in overall travel will be felt across all modes of transportation. More than eight million of those travelers will be flying, putting significant pressure on airports nationwide. Travel officials recommend planning ahead and booking accommodations early to secure the best options.

"The best thing you can do is plan ahead," says NBC's Brian Cheung. With so many people heading to airports simultaneously, security lines and boarding gates will be packed across the country.

Top U.S. Destinations

Warm-weather destinations are leading the way this holiday season. Orlando tops the list of U.S. destinations again this year, followed by Anaheim, New York, and Las Vegas. The appeal of sunny, relaxing environments during the winter months continues to draw families and vacationers.

International Travel Leaders

For those venturing abroad, Cancun leads the pack as the most popular international destination. The Mexican Caribbean resort town remains a favorite for those seeking beach getaways and warmer climates during the holiday break.

Planning Tips

With airports expected to be crowded and roads congested, experts suggest:

• Arriving at airports earlier than usual

• Booking travel during off-peak hours if possible

• Having flexibility with travel dates

• Checking traffic reports before heading out

The holiday travel rush typically begins around December 20th and extends through January 1st, so travelers should expect delays and heavier traffic throughout this entire period.

Rep. Jacques Files Bill Limiting Foreign Students At Colleges And Universities

(Tallahassee, FL) -- A Pinellas County lawmaker is pushing for limits on the number of foreign students at colleges and universities. Seminole Republican State Rep. Berny Jacques [[Jahk]] filed a bill yesterday that requires schools to limit the number of enrolled students who are citizens of a foreign country and not permanent US residents. He suggests a cap of 10 percent. Jacques tells News Channel 8 it's wrong for a foreign student to take a seat away from one of our own Floridians.

Florida Sues Starbucks For Racist Hiring Practices

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida is suing Starbucks. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced yesterday the state is suing the company for implementing and enforcing race-based quotas for hiring and advancement. He says that violates Florida's Civil Rights Act. Uthmeier asks any current or former Starbucks employee to contact his office if they believe they have faced discrimination.