TAMPA, Fla. — The approaching long holiday weekend, the last of the summer, will lead to an uptick of travelers on the road, according to AAA Motor Club.

With the Delta variant spreading and a spike in cases, the Centers for Disease Control has released guidance advising the unvaccinated to not travel and those that are vaccinated to take precautions.

Despite CDC warnings, the nation has seen a dramatic increase in travel since early in the summer.

A survey from AAA in June showed almost 75 percent of people were confident in travel, despite that same number being concerned about travel back in January.

More people are flying as well.

Tampa International Airport officials said they expect to see around 48,000 people flying starting today for the upcoming weekend.

And although spiking COVID cases are giving travelers pause, many are flying anyway.

"A lot of people are opting to stay home now that the case numbers are very high in Florida," said Emily Nipps with Tampa International.  "But again we're still seeing very active travel happening through our airport."

Higher gas prices aren't likely to deter many from traveling this weekend according to AAA.

Prices have been on a slow climb since January, however AAA says people hitting the road are finding other ways to shave expenses from their trips to make up for the higher prices.

Peak times for travel this weekend are from 3-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday on local interstates, and again next Tuesday as people return home.