AAA Says Holiday Travel Will See 30% Decline this Year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned Americans not to travel during the holidays. And it looks like some people will be listening.
AAA Travel forecasts that the vast majority of Americans will home this holiday season. 34 million fewer travelers are expected, compared to last year’s holiday season. But that means that still as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. That is decline in travel of at least 29%.
“While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations. That will not be the case this year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays.”
If you do decide to travel, you should take precautions. The CDC recommends that if you travel, test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel. Those who do not get tested should reduce nonessential activities for 10 days after travel, the agency says.
AAA predicts that most people who decide to travel will do so by car, with road trips accounting for 96% of holiday travel. Up to 81 million Americans will travel by car, a decline of at least 25% compared to last year. Auto travel is expected to replace some trips previously taken by bus, train or airplane.
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It’s not a good time to travel. I hope that everyone follows all the guidelines put in place by all government and local officials. Be safe an come back to celebrate 2021. Cannot wait for this to be over.
Given the humanitarian crisis US is currently suffering, 30% decline isn’t too bad
Be forewarned…if people not wearing masks, or wearing them improperly bothers you, Florida is not the place for you. Our pathetic governor has allowed the state to be very inhospitable.
We are hitting the road and heading to Marathon, FL to use up a twice extended Marriott package. I would never have thought I would use it at Courtyard Marriott, but the reviews of this place are incredible both on the Marriott site and Tripadvisor. This is a level 7 certificate that was the best back when it was issued, but Marriott devalued and screwed up this certificate for us.
We will be driving. Over the summer and fall, during peak Covid times, we found travelling by car and staying at hotels to be quite safe. We have use all the take out services and enjoyed having dinner with a view or at the pool. We ate at places that had good out door seating not crowded together.
Would I fly. NO. It is the airports that bother me and the general public not adhering to good mask rules, where it is below their nose or under their chin. We just avoid the crowds and feel good about things. We sanitize alot.