Avoid Traveling On These Day For The Holidays

115 million Americans are traveling over the Christmas and New Year's holiday. 6.5 million of those are Floridians. The statistics come from Florida based AAA. Whether you are driving from Southwest Florida or flying out of RSW in Fort Myers, experts say try to avoid traveling on these days for the holidays.

First, if you are driving try to avoid Saturday, December 23rd. Also try to avoid driving on Tuesday the 26th between 1-5pm. In addition, Tuesday afternoon is expected to be the worst time to travel I-4 between Tampa and Orlando. AAA says your drive time could hit a whopping three hours.

If you are flying, that date to avoid if possible is December 22nd. If you have not purchased those airline tickets yet, the folks at Priceline suggest looking at December 24th. They say that date can also save you 22% if you are flying domestic.

If you are heading out of town for New Years try to avoid driving Friday (12/29) and Saturday (12/30) afternoon and early evening. Those are expected to be peak times on Florida roadways. If you are still toying with hopping on a plane for New Year's, Priceline says fares for international travel are down 40% from last year.  Domestic flights are down by about 14%.

However, there are still a couple of tricks for the best experience. To avoid crowds and get the best deals within the U.S., the travel experts recommend you avoid flying out on the 29th. Instead, depart on December 30th or 31st.  For international flights, try departing between December 27th and 29th.

Regardless of whether you are flying and when you leave and return, be prepared for the worst as far as delays and hope for the best. And the most important item to pack is your patience. Safe travels.

Baby it's cold outside. We've had a nice burst of cool air this week with more to come throughout the season. It's a time to cozy up under a blanket or by a fire. It's not just about fuzzy blankets. There are towns around the state, the country and the world that have an unexplained cozy feel to them. It might not surprise you that quant little Sanibel makes the cut for coziest hygge town in Florida.

It is a Danish concept pronounced hoo-guh. The term that encompasses feelings of comfort, contentment, and well-being. Simply, that sense of being and feeling cozy.  MyDatingAdviser used hygge as a guide to assess 170 US towns. They used three key factors. First, the weather and things such as temperature and snowfall. Second, culinary delights which includes charming cafes and bakeries. Finally, the researchers looked at overall things to do.

“We've traveled across the state to unveil some of the warmest hygge towns in Florida, perfect for a winter getaway," said Amy Harris, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com. I encourage everyone to embrace the essence of hygge. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the beach, indulge in local cuisine, immerse yourself in local culture, and create cherished memories with loved ones.”

No Florida cities or towns made the top 20 hygge spots in the nation. However, if you are looking for a cozy getaway outside of the Sunshine State, here are the top five in the nation according to this report:

You can find that complete list here. In the meantime, Sanibel ranks in the coziest Florida town list. There are seven others that made the cut if you want to take a hygge cozy road trip. Here they are:

I just love this picturesque coastal town in the Panhandle. The architecture and the stunning views make this an inviting winter escape, even though it gets a lot colder here than Southwest Florida.
Winter Temperature: 56°F, Winter Season: 3 months

It's also a little colder but it's know for warm cafes in old town, historic landmarks and lots of charm. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll St. George Street, and experience the Nights of Lights festival.
Winter Temperature: 59.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months

Crystal River is just north of Tampa and could be considered a Gulf Coast hidden gem. The downtown is charming and the river is famous for manatee tours.
Winter Temperature: 59°F, Winter Season: 2.8 months

Apalachicola has a lovely historic district and lots of festivals. Explore the Apalachicola Maritime Museum and dine along the scenic Apalachicola River.
Winter Temperature: 56°F, Winter Season: 3 months

Besides Seaside, this is one of my favorite Panhandle escapes. It's known for pristine white sands and elegant white architecture. There is an Amphitheatre, galleries and a cool digital art festival which keeps the art community vibrant.
Winter Temperature: 52.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months

Marathon is even warmer than Southwest Florida at times, if want cozy without cold. The beaches are great and so are the water sports. And don't even bet me started on the brilliant sunsets.
Winter Temperature: 73°F, Winter Season: 2.9 months

Sanibel might still be in full Hurricane Ian recovery mode. However researches say with things like the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge shelling and local restaurants, it has all kinds of hygee.
Winter Temperature: 67°F, Winter Season: 2.8 months

Delray Beach is a great place with superb dining and a vibrant arts scene. Check out the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the Delray Beach Farmers' Market, and the beautiful beachfront.
Winter Temperature: 69°F, Winter Season: 3 months