Americans’ appetite for travel is insatiable. As the world reopens in 2022, the number of travelers booking flights through AAA has soared by more than 150%*. The number of travelers booking cruises and tours, mostly to international destinations, is also exploding, and all signs point to a continued upward trend in 2023.
In fact, a recent survey by Destination Analysts found that nearly 30% of respondents said they are likely to travel outside the United States this year.
“Travel bookings continue to grow,” said AAA South Dakota spokesman Sean Steward. For example, many cruise partners told AAA that Black Friday was the day with the most bookings.
New interest in travel at AAA retailers
A dramatic return to travel is also evident at AAA retailers, where travel bookings are strong in 2022-23. Other travel-related services such as passport photos and currency exchange also increased year-on-year.
are we still there?not quite
Despite a dramatic increase in bookings, AAA Travel, like most of the travel industry, has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels in bookings for tours, cruises, flights and car rentals, but hotel bookings are above pre-COVID levels. It remains uncertain whether next year’s travel will surpass 2019 levels in all categories, but increases are most certainly expected barring unforeseen global disruptions.
AAA’s 6 tips for traveling in 2023:
-
Work with Trip Advisor – Flight delays and cancellations are not uncommon given the staffing issues that continue to disrupt air travel.A trusted advisor helps you explore options and book the best deals When We advocate on your behalf in the event of an issue, ensuring the best possible travel experience from start to finish.
- book early – Flights, hotels, tours, cruises and car rentals remain expensive. The sooner you book, the more likely you are to secure a favorable rate and take advantage of prepaid discounts.
-
Protect your investment – Consider travel insurance. A robust policy provides a safety net in case the unexpected happens before or during your trip. Policies vary, so talk to trip advisor about your options. They know you, your trip, your budget and your specific needs and can easily explain which travel insurance makes the most sense.
-
Protect your identity – In addition to protecting physical documents such as passports, travelers should take extra measures to avoid identity theft. This is inconvenient at all times, but especially when traveling.AAA members can get free her ProtectMYID® ID theft protection, enhanced by Experian, with their membership. This is he one of our most valuable products.
-
track a parcel – Pack peace of mind by including a tracking device in your package. That way, if your package doesn’t arrive when you arrive, you’ll at least know where your package is so you can safely return it. Available online at .ClubAlliance.AAA.com.
-
Convert foreign currency in advance – AAA retailers accept most foreign currencies. Exchange money in advance to make sure you have some money on hand as soon as you land.