AAA Mid-Atlantic says holiday travel over the next couple of weeks is expected to take a sharp hit because of COVID-19.
According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, three-quarters of Americans are expected to stay at home for the holiday season.
Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing decisions not to travel over the year-end holidays which typically see high demand for vacations.
AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Ken Grant says the drop is pretty steep.
“This year it looks like we're looking at about a 30% drop in the number of travelers for the end-of-year holidays Christmas Kwanzaa, and New Year's," said Grant.
Delaware is expected to see a dip of 27% compared to last year, while in Philadelphia that drop tops 35%. More than 29 percent less holiday travel is expected in Maryland.
Gas prices are expected to be the same in Delaware this holiday season as they were\ last year in Delaware, but Grant says that's not as big a factor as it would be normally.
"We don't see really gas prices as being the primary motivator here," said Grant. "It's a combination of that clash between personal safety, family safety and then of course that cabin fever, that desire to still get together with loved ones. So, people have to kind of figure that part out on their own."
If you do travel, gas prices are about 40 cents cheaper nationally than this time last year.
Grant also notes roadways aren’t the only place people are avoiding
“We're expecting a pretty significant drop in the number of travelers, drivers, and especially airports," said Grant. "Airports we're looking at about a 60% drop in the number of people who will be flying this year. Then when you get into the other modes of transportation bus, train, obviously the cruise line is at a standstill, but a significant drop there as well about 87%."
If you’re traveling, make sure you know public health guidelines where you are going, and wear face masks, social distance, and wash your hands regularly.
If by chance you’re renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle.
