As more and more people get fully vaccinated, AAA anticipates summer travel to skyrocket.
The expectation is once schools are out travel on all fronts will increase.
AAA’s Chip Morgan says people are already planning trips.
"People were already looking fairly heavily on the domestic side, local and regional travel, but as borders start to open - as we talked about - international borders opening we're going to start to see European travel open up as well," said Morgan.
If you’re worried about safe travel, AAA’s Debra Calvert says driving is the safest, but she notes transportation companies are taking the right precautions.
"People are used to being in the car, it's their own little space, and they're comfortable with making that plan for the road trip. But all other areas of the travel industry are following health and safety protocols," said Calvert. "So whether you're flying on a plane, or riding the train, or on a cruise ship."
Calvert notes AAA expects road trips will be popular this year, as well as trips to theme parks and national parks.
As for gas prices, it’s uncertain what the summer will hold, but according to AAA prices should spike this month especially ahead of Memorial Day.
With travel picking up AAA says there’s a few things to remember as you plan a trip.
If you plan to fly out of the country, make sure your passport is up to date. If it isn’t, renew it quickly as renewal times are taking longer now.
But getting a Real ID is not a worry if flying is in your plans and you don’t have an up to date passport. The deadline to obtain a Real ID was pushed from October to May 2023.
AAA’s Brenda Hunsberger also notes having your original COVID vaccination card is not needed to travel right now.
"One of the pieces of advice that we know is going to change, and that we are going to continue to keep updated on is do you actually need your real card or is a copy or photo of the card sufficient," said Hunsberger. "Because right now the advice that we've been given is not to take your original card because again you don't want to lose that documentation and that a copy will suffice."
Hunsberger adds proof laminating your vax card is not recommended since boosters might eventually be required.
For those not vaccinated, Hunsberger says there are many destinations you can visit, even internationally, but if you travel internationally many places require negative COVID test results.
