It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Safford House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Holiday, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care more than once. Their service has always exceeded”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care more than once. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them! Thank you for your love and kindness.”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Key Vista Nature Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Holiday House Restaurant Fl or visit Bok Tower Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Holiday, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Holiday, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Holiday, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Floridians who have enjoyed the state’s traditional summer sales tax holiday can look forward to a post-Christmas present next week: A second tax holiday, timed to students’ return from winter break.That means a two-week, sales-tax-free shopping period for clothes, personal computers and other school supplies. But Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley acknowledges being apprehensive that shoppers might overlook the event amid the crowd of other holiday activities as the calendar turns to 2024.&ld...
Floridians who have enjoyed the state’s traditional summer sales tax holiday can look forward to a post-Christmas present next week: A second tax holiday, timed to students’ return from winter break.
That means a two-week, sales-tax-free shopping period for clothes, personal computers and other school supplies. But Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley acknowledges being apprehensive that shoppers might overlook the event amid the crowd of other holiday activities as the calendar turns to 2024.
“It’s certainly a fair concern,” Shalley replied to a question from The News Service of Florida. “It is right on the heels of the holidays, but we hope folks will be out trying to take advantage of sales in other areas. This will just be an added opportunity.”
The tax holiday will start Monday and continue through Jan. 14. It is similar to the back-to-school holidays that Florida has long offered during the summer, including this year.
“This being new, we are hoping that people will get out and take advantage of the savings opportunities in the start of the new year,” Shalley said. “We are going to see many retailers have sales of their own to piggyback.”
State economists have projected that the two back-to-school holidays this fiscal year will cut state revenue by $126.8 million and local-government revenue by $33.8 million.
While the results won’t be determined for a couple of months, as receipts are finalized, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed again holding two back-to-school holidays during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. That proposal is tied to his $114.4 billion budget recommendation, which lawmakers will consider during the session that starts Jan. 9.
Included in the tax holiday that starts Monday:
— Shoppers won’t have to pay sales taxes on clothes, wallets, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, shoes and diaper bags that cost $100 or less.
— Shoppers won’t have to pay sales taxes on pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, notebook filler paper, legal pads, binders, lunch boxes, construction paper, markers, folders, poster board, composition books, poster paper, scissors, cellophane tape, glue, paste, rulers, computer disks, staplers, staples, protractors, compasses and calculators that cost $50 or less.
— Shoppers won’t have to pay sales taxes on learning aids and puzzles, such as flashcards, memory games and toys intended to teach reading or math skills, that cost $30 or less.
— Shoppers won’t have to pay sales taxes on personal computers and related accessories — such as keyboards and monitors — that cost $1,500 or less. Not included are such things as cell phones and video game consoles.
If you're in Florida and missed out on buying some things you wanted during the holidays, here's some good news. A bonus New Year Florida sales tax holiday started Jan. 1 and continued until mid-January. This tax-free period is similar to the back-to-school tax-exempt shopping...
If you're in Florida and missed out on buying some things you wanted during the holidays, here's some good news. A bonus New Year Florida sales tax holiday started Jan. 1 and continued until mid-January. This tax-free period is similar to the back-to-school tax-exempt shopping offered by Florida and other states, usually in the summer.
It's worth noting that offering a second tax-free holiday for back-to-school shopping is a first for the Sunshine State. And since the tax-free weeks coincide with the start of the New Year, many people might overlook it. So, here are a few things to know before you shop.
The first thing to know is that the new Florida sales tax holiday began on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, and ran through Sunday, Jan. 14.
Previously, Florida had only one sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping. However, the state introduced the additional back-to-school tax holiday after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a massive $1.3 billion tax relief bill. As reported by Kiplinger, Florida also had two sales tax holidays for disaster preparedness in May and August of last year, due to the new legislation.
It’s unclear whether Gov. DeSantis will approve two back-to-school Florida sales tax holidays for next year, i.e., (the 2024-25 fiscal year).
Items like cell phones and video game consoles are not eligible for the tax-exemption.
For more information on what kinds of items are and aren’t eligible for the Florida sales tax holiday, see the Florida Department of Revenue Tip Sheet.
Florida’s state sales tax rate is 6%, but a maximum of 2% can be added for local tax. So, total sales tax can be as high as 8% in some places in the state.
According to the Tax Foundation, Florida has an average combined state and local tax rate of 7.02%. See Kiplinger’s tax guide for more information about other taxes in Florida.
Florida’s New Year sales tax holiday is an opportunity to save on many items. But it’s worth noting that due to the new state tax law, several children’s products are permanently tax-exempt in the state. For example, the following items are tax-free in Florida.
When the permanent sales tax cuts were proposed, DeSantis told reporters, "It's hard enough raising kids as it is. Now, you get baby food, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, the whole shebang, including things like cribs and strollers, which are very, very expensive. So that is going to be permanently tax-free in the state of Florida.”
The new law also exempts other items from sales tax, including over-the-counter pet medications. Although, while many states still tax groceries, most groceries and prescription medications were already exempt from sales tax in Florida.
And, of course, Florida is a state with no income tax. So, Floridians don’t pay state income tax on various forms of income, including 401(k) distributions, investment income, wages, lottery winnings, etc.
Are you traveling for Christmas this year? You'll be in good company. And by good, we mean a lot.Auto Club AAA is predicting that Floridians will break their own record from 2022 with an estimated 6.6 million of us traveling 50 miles or more during the year-end holiday period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. That's nearly 218,000 more Florida travelers packing the ro...
Are you traveling for Christmas this year? You'll be in good company. And by good, we mean a lot.
Auto Club AAA is predicting that Floridians will break their own record from 2022 with an estimated 6.6 million of us traveling 50 miles or more during the year-end holiday period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. That's nearly 218,000 more Florida travelers packing the roads and airport terminals than last year (a 3.4% increase), not including visitors from out of state.
“AAA has seen steady year-over-year growth in travel demand, culminating with what is expected to be the busiest year-end holiday travel season on record in Florida, and the second-busiest nationwide,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “Despite various inflationary pressures, Americans are still willing to budget for travel. With a record number of travelers, the roads, airports and cruise lines will be more crowded than normal. So finalize your travel plans now, anticipate longer lines, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.”
Gas prices are helping. "As 2023 comes to a close, drivers can expect to pay about the same or less for a gallon of gas than they did last holiday season," said AAA spokesman David Jenkins. "when the Florida average on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day was $2.99 and $3.24, respectively."
And people are traveling everywhere. AAA projects that nationally 115.2 million people will be traveling out there with you, the second-highest on record since the organization began tracking holiday travel in 2000. That's 2.5 million more than last year, AAA said. The record was set in 2019.
Will it be cold on Christmas?Will it rain in Florida on Christmas day? NWS, almanac forecasts
According to AAA, of the 6.6 million they project to be heading for parts unknown, 6 million of them will be behind the wheel, up from 5.8 million last year.
Yep. If you haven't yet. you might want to get your tickets now.
"Airports are expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been throughout the Christmas and New Year’s travel period." Jenkins said. "Nationally, AAA projects 7.5 million air travelers. That’s 200,000 more than the previous record set in 2019." It's also a little daunting when you remember the major meltdowns the airlines had last year, although Southwest Airlines has said the company is ready this time for another customer and weather onslaught.
In Florida, nearly 357,000 Floridians are forecast to take a commercial flight. That's higher than last year, 15,000 more people, but just the second-highest air travel volume on record, behind 2003's total of 399,000.
Average ticket prices are slightly lower than last year, Jenkins said. According to AAA booking data, the average price for a roundtrip ticket to Orlando — the most popular domestic destination this holiday season — is $613, down from $735 last year. (Although if you're planning a Disney trip, you might want to consider shooting for January.)
Holiday travel hack:How to avoid lines, high ticket prices
Here we should see another record year, so get your tickets now. AAA projects that more than 4 million Americans will be traveling by other methods such as buses, trains, and cruises over the holidays, compared to 3.66 million in 2022 and 3.89 million in 2019.
In Florida, 266,303 people are expected to take these alternate forms of travel, up from 244,753 in 2022 and 230,547 in 2019.
It's too early for specifics, but the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's week 3-4 outlook suggests warmer-than-normal temperatures along the northwestern coast of the U.S. into the north-central areas, normal temps from north-central to the East Coast, and cooler weather for the southeast, with an up to 70% chance of above-normal precipitation for Florida between Dec. 16 to Dec. 29.
According to transportation data site INRIX, there are definitely going to be some days to stay off the road if you can. Saturday, Dec. 23, Thursday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Dec. 30 will be the most congested days on the road, INRIX said.
“Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 20% longer this holiday season," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, with double the typical delays possible in major metro areas.
Orlando topped the list for domestic travel this year, with London, England the top international destination.
According to AAA, the top domestic destinations are:
The top international destinations are:
FORT LAUDERDALE -- For travelers hitting the road for the holidays, they will find plenty of company on the highway and area roads with over six million Floridians set to get behind the wheel, according to AAA."We're just heading to Orlando to have some fun together," said Sam Motta, whose family just flew in from Brazil, and they are ...
FORT LAUDERDALE -- For travelers hitting the road for the holidays, they will find plenty of company on the highway and area roads with over six million Floridians set to get behind the wheel, according to AAA.
"We're just heading to Orlando to have some fun together," said Sam Motta, whose family just flew in from Brazil, and they are hoping to get on the Florida Turnpike sooner, rather than later. "Haven't spent the holidays with family in three years now."
The crew had planned an early departure.
"We planned on leaving a lot earlier than we did so we could avoid traffic," Motta said. "We were going to leave at 8 or 9 but things happened and it took longer than we expected."
>>>>>According to the American Automobile Association:
At South Florida airports, the travel rush is on with lots of passengers moving through Miami International Airport.
There were long tines at security.
"A lot of people, a lot of moving around, a lot of luggage. It looks very busy compared to normal but not too bad," said Vanessa Lebron, who was traveling to the Dominican Republic with her family.
They were part of the record setting 2.8 million passengers flying in and out of the Miami airport, about 162,000 passengers a day.
Her advice to others: "Definitely to get here early. Don't rush get here early, take your time," she said.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, some delays were reported Friday as lots of passengers moved through. They're expecting two million travelers this holiday period with about 118,000 a day.
"So far so good," said Kendra Dass. She and her family are heading to Chicago. They planned for crowds.
"We actually thought it would be a little more crowded, so we arrived pretty early. But it's been pretty good," Beheen Dass said.
FLL is alerting drivers, saying airport roadways are expected to be crowded during peak times. They also say garages could fill up by Saturday.
Multiple Emmy award winning journalist Ted Scouten has been the familiar face at the scene of international stories that have affected South Florida since 1998.
TALLAHASSEE -- A top retail-industry official is optimistic businesses will get a boost when Florida for the first time offers a back-to-school tax "holiday" as students return from the winter break.At the same time, Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley acknowledges being somewhat apprehensive that the tax-free shopp...
TALLAHASSEE -- A top retail-industry official is optimistic businesses will get a boost when Florida for the first time offers a back-to-school tax "holiday" as students return from the winter break.
At the same time, Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley acknowledges being somewhat apprehensive that the tax-free shopping period on clothes, school supplies and personal computers could get lost in the crowd of holidays as the calendar turns to 2024.
"It's certainly a fair concern," Shalley replied to a question from The News Service of Florida. "It is right on the heels of the holidays, but we hope folks will be out trying to take advantage of sales in other areas. This will just be an added opportunity."
The tax holiday will start Monday and continue through Jan. 14. It is similar to the back-to-school holidays that Florida has long offered during the summer, including this year.
"This being new, we are hoping that people will get out and take advantage of the savings opportunities in the start of the new year," Shalley said. "We are going to see many retailers have sales of their own to piggyback."
State economists have projected that the two back-to-school holidays this fiscal year will cut state revenue by $126.8 million and local-government revenue by $33.8 million.
While the results won't be determined for a couple of months, as receipts are finalized, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed again holding two back-to-school holidays during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. That proposal is tied to his $114.4 billion budget recommendation, which lawmakers will consider during the session that starts Jan. 9.
Included in the tax holiday that starts Monday:
Fore more information: Florida Department of Revenue
727.777.4997
