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Holiday Travel and Holiday Shopping Both a Bumpy Ride

Posted: 6:34 pm EST December 24, 2008Updated: 7:08 pm EST December 24, 2008

At Orlando International Airport, many travelers say they’re finding smaller crowds than they’ve seen in the past and in some cases even shorter lines.

On Christmas Eve, as the few days before, there were scattered delays and just a few cancellations out of the airport.

Most were caused by trouble in other cities socked in by snow and ice.

In Milwaukee Wednesday, some planes were delayed up to 90 minutes.

“We're supposed to go snorkeling tomorrow in. We're supposed to go on a Zipline tour of the rain forest in St. Maartin. I don't think we will be able to do that,” said Beth Walch who was headed to the Caribbean.

Holiday travelers passing through Chicago face the prospect of Christmas Eve at O'Hare International. Two straight days of snow there have forced the cancellation of more than 500 flights.

Philadelphia, New York, and Boston have also seen delays today.

On Florida Roads

On Florida’s roads, troopers are out in full force trying to get aggressive drivers off the streets.

They will have extra patrols out looking for intoxicated and reckless drivers through midnight on Christmas Day.

The Florida Highway Patrol said it will take a zero tolerance approach.

"We're going to use marked vehicles and unmarked vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft, we're gonna use reserve troopers and our auxiliary troopers to augment the personnel out on the highways to try and make the holiday experience as safe as possible," said Captain Mark Welch, Florida Highway Patrol.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

As holiday shopping wrapped up on Christmas Eve, thousands made their way home, but many went home with lighter bags than years past.

Some shoppers told Eyewitness News they spent just half of what they spent last year.

But some last minute shoppers found the slow economy this year also opened doors for deals they hadn’t seen before.

“The boots I wanted in Canada were $129. I got them for $29,” said a tourist.

The lower prices didn’t mean it was easy picking for those trying to get last minute gifts.

At a Best Buy, some of the hottest items are still sold out.

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