Travel

Over the course of a year, author Jen Ruiz visited the lavender fields in the south of France, descended into a volcano in Iceland and saw the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.

Tampa International Airport officials expect a four percent increase in summer travel compared to 2023. Starting on Memorial Day weekend, TPA will see an average of about 71,000 passengers a day.

It's gearing up for a busy spring break by offering free parking and a free shuttle service that takes visitors to the Clearwater Marina.

Tampa International Airport is preparing to see 75,000 to 80,000 passengers on peak days, with higher numbers than before the pandemic in 2019.

Visit Florida estimates the state attracted 35 million travelers during the third quarter, a 6.9 percent increase from 2021. The estimate was also 8% above the same period of 2019, before the pandemic.

Interviews for the poll were conducted last Thursday to Monday, shortly before a federal judge in Florida struck down the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit.

The AAA study says declining COVID rates and increased eagerness about traveling have contributed to these statistics.

More guests are booking rooms in Hillsborough County hotels following months of low occupancy caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

As more people return to air travel, several airports are offering yoga, stretching and meditation areas. Live music and therapy pet programs are also intended to calm stressed-out travelers.

It's a sign the economy is on the upswing.

A recent AAA survey found enthusiasm for travel is still down almost a year into the coronavirus pandemic.

Tampa International Airport is expecting up to 30,000 more passengers each day heading into the Super Bowl, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting travel.