Tampa, FL- The majority of Florida residents (70%) plan to take a vacation this summer of four days or more between May and September. This reflects a 5 percentage point increase from 2012, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey on summer travel plans.

Florida consumers place a high value on their summer vacation, with more than 6 in 10 of them (62%) saying they think travel is very important to their well-being. The top three reasons Florida residents think travel is important are that it creates experiences (69%), lets them recharge (65%), and allows for family time (62%).

“This year marks the second year that AAA data shows an increase in the number of Floridians who plan to take a summer vacation—a positive sign for the travel industry,” said Jessica Brady, spokeswoman, AAA Travel, The Auto Club Group. “A relaxing vacation at a city destination or beach is the number one desire among Florida travelers who look to get away this summer. The great thing about Florida is that travelers don’t have to go far to find what they’re looking for in a vacation.”

The majority of travelers (64%) plan to spend $1,500 or less on their summer vacation, about the same amount as last year. The top three vacation destinations for Florida travelers this year are city destinations (47%), beach getaways (36%), and trips to theme parks/attractions (27%).