AAA Says Americans Are Planning Fall Travel, Mostly Road Trips
If you’re planning some trips this fall, you’re not alone. A new AAA Travel survey indicates that 67 percent of American adults are cautiously planning a vacation sometime before the year is out.
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Stats and trends from the study
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Granted, these same American adults are making travel plans with some uncertainty, in light of the pandemic. But the fact that they’re still trying to “live around” COVID-19 is a reality that testifies to the resiliency of the human spirit.
Popular destinations for travel this year include locations that are near outdoor attractions conducive to social distancing. Per AAA, some popular destinations for fall trips include Colorado Springs, Myrtle Beach, San Diego, and Phoenix.
Road trips comprise the majority of these planned trips — 80 percent, to be exact, according to AAA public relations manager Julie Hall. There are a few potential factors contributing to this autumn’s travel trend. For one thing, the average gas price is 50 cents cheaper than this time last year. Some families are finally deciding to take a family vacation after postponing or canceling spring/summer travel plans.
Other families are taking advantage of virtual work and school environments and hitting the road. “For those who choose to travel, the great American road trip continues to be the preferred method of getting out and exploring the United States,” said AAA senior vice president Paula Twidale.
Some tips for safe travel this fall
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If you’re planning a fall road trip of your own, there are some safe strategies to keep in mind. Hall recommends consulting the CDC’s COVID-19 data tracker for the latest state and travel restrictions. You can also consult AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map.
It’s also a good idea to research places you’d like to visit beforehand, as you finalize your itinerary. Some popular attractions might be closed or have limited hours, due to the pandemic. In addition, some destinations might be more crowded than others. So, it’s good to have some back-up destinations in mind in case you need to steer clear of tourist hotspots.
Don’t forget to pack the necessary supplies to keep you and your co-travelers safer during your travels. Face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes are a good place to start.
Fall Service: Prep your vehicle for your upcoming road trip
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.