Gas prices, budget concerns have Central Florida drivers delaying holiday travel bookings

Central Florida drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump, and it’s not just their wallets taking a hit. For some, it’s their holiday travel plans, too.With the national average for a gallon of regular gas sitting at $4.36, a new AAA travel survey found that 41% of people say budget concerns are one reason they haven’t started planning their trips yet. Another 36% say they’re simply waiting for lower prices.While AAA reports that as of Wednesday, the average price of gas in the Sunshine State is $4.19, Central Florida drivers are paying even more. News 6 found prices as high as $4.39 per gallon at local stations.“Yeah, it’s touchy,” driver John Wallace said while filling up.The price jump is significant compared to just one year ago, when the national average was $3.18 per gallon, according to AAA.The higher costs are pushing people to cut back in other areas of their lives.“Of course [I am], I have to try to save for this,” Elizabeth Torres said.Fellow driver Kathleen Taylor said she