Travel Advisors See Bookings Bump Ahead Of Summer Months
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- AAA Travel is reporting that there has been a big uptick in travel bookings recently with many people booking trips for spring and summer getaways.
"Now that things are winding down, we're making plans this summer to travel," Rob Fickus said.
Many people like him are looking to get away and are booking trips for the warmer months ahead.
Fickus said he was contemplating going to Las Vegas or Florida.
Despite the Omicron variant and weather-related cancellations, the group says its travel advisors have had some of their busiest days since last summer and are planning getaways for customers, as well as trips in 2023 and even 2024.
"People are indicating an interest and a willingness to talk about travel and to plan travel that they may have not felt before," said Brenda Hunsberger, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel.
According to a survey from Destination Analysts, a market research firm, about 80 percent of American travelers say they have at least one trip already planned in 2022 and nearly 60 percent say they are making travel spending a priority this year.
And while COVID-19 cases have been declining nationwide, the group says there are some tips a person should consider while traveling:
- Preparing for trips by checking COVID-19 restrictions and testing requirements ahead of time
- Traveling with photos of your vaccination card.
- Except to pay more than compared to pre-pandemic times because of staffing issues and other pandemic-related challenges impacting flight, hotel and rental car availability.
- Budget for expenses with delays, cancelations and having to stay longer than originally planned.
- Working with a travel advisor to understand the complexities of the current travel landscape.
- Consider Travel Insurance because plans may change for any number of reasons, especially now.
Travelers can find additional tips and guidance at AAA.com/travel.
