34 Million Fewer Americans to Travel This Holiday Season
Three-quarters of Americans expected to stay home; AAA advises caution for those who travel
AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans to stay home this holiday season.
While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline of at least 29 percent. It will mark the first decline in year-end holiday travel since 2008, breaking a streak of 11 straight years of travel volume growth, and the lowest travel volume since 2002.
Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing personal decisions not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand for vacations. The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
For those who make the personal decision to travel, it’s important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe. Seek the advice of a trusted travel advisor and refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik. AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.
Additionally, The Auto Club Group has integrated enhanced travel safety features into its AAA Mobile App, including location-based emergency contact numbers, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and medical translation services.
These new features use geolocation and can be accessed in the AAA Mobile App Travel section titled “Local Services for Travelers.” These travel assistance services are available globally through ACG’s partnership with travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.
What to Know Before You Go
Plan Ahead. Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.
Follow Public Health Guidance. •The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.
•Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular handwashing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.
Road Trips Most Americans who decide to travel will do so by car, with road trips accounting for 96 percent of holiday travel. Up to 81 million Americans will travel by car, a decline of at least 25 percent compared to last For those who decide to hit the road for the yearend holidays, gas prices remain nearly 50 cents cheaper than this time last year. Recent monthly gas prices are 19 percent below 2019 averages.
While cheaper gas prices are typically an incentive for last minute trips, especially around the holidays, Americans are looking to the public health landscape, including COVID-19 case numbers, to make their travel decisions, says AAA.
AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready for the road, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to rescue more than 905,000 Americans at the roadside this holiday season. AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), app or online—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.
Other Travel Modes As many as 2.9 million travelers are expected to book flights for the holidays, a decline of nearly 60 percent from 2019. Air travelers can likely expect to pay lower airfares this holiday season, as AAA has seen double-digit reductions in average flight costs. AAA reminds air travelers to wear their mask, and wipe down seats, armrests, belt buckles and tray tables using disinfecting wipes, as an extra precaution.