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Vacation planning increases following pandemic lockdown

Summer travel is expected to increase dramatically this year as people get back to taking the vacations they typically do when the weather gets nicer.

News Center 7′s James Rider talked with AAA about how consumers should be prepared to pay higher prices.

The travel and tourism industry was one of the hardest hit because of the pandemic, and because of that lost revenue combined with an increase in demand and limited inventory, AAA says you could see an impact on your wallet.

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Brenda Husberger, Senior VP of Travel with AAA, said, “In some cases dramatic increases in pricing. So, the advice that AAA is providing is to plan early, but then check again often because there are times when prices may come down even after people have booked and, in many cases, there is an opportunity to reprice.”

The recommendation for doctors is if you’re going to travel, it’s best to drive. There are several changes to flying, but if you need to get a rental car, it could be a challenge.

Debra Calvert, AAA Managing Director Auto Travel and Services, said, “During the pandemic many car rental agencies sold off their inventory so the lower availability, plus the increase in demand has driven prices really high in the car rental world. So, if you’re looking to rent a car for your vacation, you want to make sure you do that at the beginning stages of your planning, not the end.”

Many of the more popular vacation destinations seem to be where people can get outside and have fun in the sun. Camping and beaches are some of the usual places in Florida.

Travel to the continental United States also doesn’t have as many restrictions compared to going abroad or even Hawaii.

AAA also says they are seeing an increase in what they call revenge spend, which is basically making up for lost time because of travel, where people are upgrading accommodations and staying longer.

James Rider

James Rider

I was born in Virginia and have moved several times in my life as a member of an Air Force family. I've lived in Virginia, California, Germany, England, and Ohio. I graduated from Centerville High School and then went on to attend Ball State University where I graduated with a bachelor's degree.

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