AAA survey: Majority of Ga. residents plan to vacation this year

TAMPA, Fla. - AAA expects 2014 to be a strong year for travel.

The majority of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee residents (82%) plan to take at least one trip this year. Even though more than half (52%) prefer traveling both domestically and abroad, 77 percent of residents traveling in the next three months plan to stay within the U.S., according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey. (Click on the link below for the full survey results.)

More than half of residents (58%) are interested in taking a "themed" vacation. Themed vacations have specialized itineraries for people who enjoy Annual Festivals/Events (66%), Music (53%) and Sports (43%).

"Themed vacations are growing in popularity," said Jessica Brady, AAA Travel, The Auto Club Group. "They give travelers an alternative to the typical vacation. Travelers are already booking cabins for the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning themed cruise in July 2015. On board, Lightning fans can meet the players and relive the night in 2004 when the Lightning won the championship."

Top types of theme cruise and / or tour vacations of interest:

Annual Festivals / Events (66%)
Music (53%)
Sports (43%)
Culinary (33%)
Mystery Tours (29%)

The AAA Consumer Pulse Survey was conducted online among residents living in the Southern Region of The Auto Club Group (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee) from January 14 - 17, 2014. A total of 1,215 residents completed the survey.