Tennesseans contemplate driving versus flying to cruise ports as journey prices rise

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WBBJ) – As cruising units sail into its busiest season and passenger numbers strategy document ranges, rising journey prices are reshaping how Tennesseans plan their journeys. With gasoline costs at a four-year excessive and airfares up 20% from a yr in the past, many vacationers are taking a more in-depth have a look at whether or not to drive or fly to achieve cruise ports.

A rising quantity are selecting to get behind the wheel. According to a AAA survey, half of previous ocean cruisers and people planning or contemplating a cruise say they’d contemplate driving to the port, in comparison with simply 14% preferring to fly.

“With travel costs rising across the board, people are taking a more deliberate approach to planning,” mentioned Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Driving gives travelers more flexibility to manage both their budget and their schedule.”

Travelers weigh driving versus flying extra intently

AAA’s latest survey data exhibits Tennesseans are adjusting each how and the place they journey:

• 16% say they’re evaluating the price of driving versus flying extra intently than earlier than
• 29% are selecting locations the place journey prices are extra predictable
• 15% say they wish to take a cruise with bundled lodging, meals, and transportation

These selections mirror a broader shift towards journeys that supply fewer monetary surprises.

Why extra vacationers select to drive

Even with greater gasoline costs, many vacationers nonetheless see benefits in driving, particularly in comparison with fluctuating airfare and airport delays.

AAA’s survey exhibits the highest causes Tennesseans select to drive to cruise ports embrace:

• 58% imagine driving prices lower than flying
• 41% need the pliability to increase their journey with sightseeing
• 34% wish to keep away from the chance of flight delays and cancellations

“Driving may not always be the lowest-cost option, but it offers more predictability,” Haas mentioned. “Travelers can control when they leave, where they stop, and how they spend along the way.”

For highway trippers, planning forward may also assist handle prices. AAA notes that lodge reductions and member charges may also help cut back in a single day bills, whereas roadside help gives peace of thoughts for longer drives.

Willing to go the space

The survey exhibits many Tennesseans are keen to spend hours on the highway to keep away from flying:

• 28% would drive 3 to 4 hours
• 36% would drive 5 to eight hours
• 18% would drive 9 to 12 hours

With main cruise ports reminiscent of Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale inside attain, driving stays a sensible possibility for a lot of vacationers within the South and past.

Managing parking prices on the port

Parking at cruise ports can add a major expense to a visit, particularly for weeklong sailings. Travelers who plan to drive might be able to cut back prices by exploring close by lodge choices that supply stay-and-park packages or prolonged parking for cruise passengers.

Working with a journey advisor may also help determine these choices, together with evaluating whole journey prices throughout transportation, lodging, and parking to seek out one of the best total worth.

Why AAA nonetheless recommends journey insurance coverage

“Driving can help travelers avoid some of the uncertainties of flying, but it doesn’t eliminate risk,” mentioned Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Traffic, weather, or mechanical issues can still disrupt your plans, and missing a cruise departure can be costly.”

Travel insurance coverage can present added safety, significantly throughout hurricane season, when storms can disrupt journey plans throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast.

AAA recommends journey insurance coverage to assist shield towards:

• Medical emergencies throughout journey
• Weather-related disruptions, together with hurricanes
• Trip delays or cancellations
• Lost or delayed baggage for individuals who do fly

Looking forward

AAA expects extra vacationers to weigh their transportation choices rigorously as journey prices stay elevated. For many, driving provides a solution to begin their trip with better flexibility and fewer unknowns.

Travelers may also search for methods to stretch their price range by working with a journey advisor, who may also help examine choices, determine potential financial savings, and construct a visit plan that balances price, comfort, and timing.

To be taught extra, go to AAA.com/Travel.

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Surveys

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Surveys had been performed on-line amongst 400 Tennessee residents from January 26 – February 5, 2026, and April 17 – 26, 2026. Survey outcomes requested for all respondents have a most margin of error of ± 4.9% factors. Responses are weighted by age and gender to make sure dependable and correct illustration of the grownup inhabitants (18+) in Tennessee.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA membership in North America, with greater than 13 million members throughout 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its associates present members with roadside help, insurance coverage merchandise, monetary companies, journey choices and extra. ACG is a part of the nationwide AAA federation, which serves greater than 66 million members throughout the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to guard and advance freedom of mobility and enhance visitors security. For extra info, obtain the AAA Mobile app, go to AAA.com , and comply with us on social media.