The remaining weeks of the year can be a lot of fun as we hit the holidays. It also can be full of frustration dealing with the massive amounts of traffic. So, how does Florida fare in terms of ranking the worst cities for holiday traffic and travel in the country?
There are a few different factors to look at here. This Thanksgiving week is one of the year's highest volume traffic periods. This is especially true the two days before Thursday and the Sunday after, with friends and family traveling to host sites. In addition, these are the typical days when colleges get out for their holiday break.
In a recent feature by U.S. News and World Report, Miami ranked as one of the worst cities in America for traffic. Furthermore, they state Miami was one of five cities to be named among the ten worst cities in the entire world for traffic. The metric examined here was based on "congestion" in these cities.
Miami ranked fifth, and Chicago ranked #1 as the worst. This was largely due to the recorded delay hours and high costs per driver.
Worst Cities For Holiday Travel
Forbes narrowed down traffic concerns in America by focusing on the holiday months. "Historically, visitors to certain cities have faced a greater risk of air travel disruptions, traffic congestion, car accidents and inflated hotel prices during the holiday season," they said when explaining the large percentage of Americans that travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January.
However, the results for Florida here are not much better. Memphis, Los Angeles, Jacksonville, New York, and Tucson are the five worst cities for holiday travel. In addition, Miami then makes another appearance, ranking number seven. Tampa was the third Florida area to be named in the list of worst cities for holiday travel ranking at number 16.
To compile this ranking, Forbes specifically analyzes three categories: overall driving, air travel and city experience in the greater metro areas.
So, to summarize, Florida is home to three of the worst cities for holiday traffic, according to Forbes. "20.57% of flights out of Tampa were delayed, canceled or diverted during the holiday season between 2018 and 2022," Forbes said.
If you are traveling in or out of these greater Florida city areas this holiday season and bracing for traffic, it is suggested to aim for off-peak hours as much as possible.
Florida Has One of Most Iconic Christmas Trees in America
Christmas is a special time of year, filled with fun, friends and family. The holidays are also a great time to travel. Also, if you're really in the festive spirit, why not travel to see one of the most iconic Christmas trees in America? Here are some of the most iconic Christmas trees that always draw a crowd, and for good reason. They're simply spectacular. Oh, and one Florida tree is on this list, because it's really that awesome.
Before we get into some of the smaller, yet still fantastic, Christmas trees across America, let's look at the big two. The White House Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C. is really the quintessential Christmas tree for America. The White House Christmas Tree is simply iconic. It's a representation of the holidays in the U.S. Each year, the White House staff displays the tree in the Blue Room. Lots of decorating goes into it, too. What's more, as for this year's tree, a press release explains, "Christmas tree growers Amber Scott and Alex Church, Cline Church Nursery, Fleetwood, NC waited for the arrival of special guests from our nation's capital who were sent to select the 2023 White House Christmas tree."
Also, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City is iconic. Next to the White House Christmas Tree, the Rockefeller Center in New York City is the next most iconic Christmas tree in America. Each year, the selected tree towers over New York City, placed right in the Rockefeller Center. Furthermore, it's definitely one of the most iconic Christmas trees in America.
So, what are some of the other most iconic Christmas trees in America? Read on for the list. What's your favorite holiday display and Christmas tree? Reach out to us on social media with your picks for all things Christmas. Happy holidays.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Boston is a major city, and it needs some major holiday spirit in December. Also, the Christmas tree at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is simply dazzling. While you're there, shop, eat and enjoy other activities. Find more information via this link.
Perkasie Borough, Pennsylvania
If you're looking for a beautiful, old-fashioned Christmas tree, look no further than Perkasie Borough, Pennsylvania. What's more, the spot says they host America's oldest community tree lighting ceremony, and it draws a huge crowd every year. For more information, go here.
Christmas Tree at the Atlanta Airport, Georgia
The Atlanta airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. After all, it's a Delta hub. Each holiday season, travelers come through this airport, so they also deck it out with a great, festive Christmas tree.
Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan
The Christmas season in Detroit always starts with the Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park, presented by Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Energy Foundation. The ceremony always takes place the Friday before thanksgiving. Find more information here.
The Delray Beach Christmas Tree, Florida
The 100 foot Christmas Tree on Delray Beach is always exciting. Moreover, Santa helps light the tree every season. What's more, it's been going on for 30 years. Find more information here.