Road trips are most popular way to go
PORTLAND, Ore., – The great American road trip is the most popular way to travel this fall. A new AAA survey finds that three out of 10 Americans are planning a vacation before the end of the year, and 80 percent of those will go by car. Not surprisingly, the top destinations are those known for outdoor recreation and socially distanced activities as travelers hit the road during the coronavirus pandemic.
The AAA survey finds that 23 percent plan to fly to a domestic destination, and eight percent plan to fly to an international destination.
Two-thirds (67%) of U.S. adults planning a vacation before the end of the year report some degree of uncertainty they will actually be able to take their vacation. As a result, some are opting for spur-of-the-moment travel decisions as they take coronavirus implications into account. One in five who are planning a trip before the end of this year expect to book within one week of traveling.
“Road trips make sense because travelers have great flexibility in planning itineraries and activities, and can pack their own food and supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “And that road trip will cost less this year because gas prices are about 50 cents a gallon less than last fall.”
“Travelers are especially interested in destinations that are fairly close to home—within a one- or two-day drive—and most are interested in long weekend getaways instead of extended vacations,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Trips that allow people to enjoy the great outdoors are most popular including hiking, camping, visiting beaches, and exploring state and national parks.”
What to Know Before You Go
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to advise that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
For those who make the personal decision to travel, AAA recommends travelers check with state and local authorities where they are, along their route, and at their planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place. These tips play an important role in being a responsible traveler.
“The bottom line is traveling during the coronavirus pandemic requires you to do your homework before heading out,” says Dodds. “Book your lodging and activities in advance, and plan your stops for food, gasoline and EV charging. Many national parks and attractions limit capacity so it’s best to make arrangements for these in advance.”
- Heed all official warnings and remain vigilant while traveling. Refer to the latest updates from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Check the CDC’s Covid-19 data tracker, municipal and state health departments and local news for updates on coronavirus cases and continue to do so while on the road.
- Book your lodging, camping and rental car in advance. Many providers are limiting the number of guests and/or allowing more time between guests, so availabilities will likely be reduced.
- Prior to any stay, ask what precautions hotels, campgrounds and other lodging are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces and hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times. Ask about any restrictions or changes to the check-in process. Many properties have reduced face-to-face interactions with guests.
- Check on the cleaning standards. Many hotels, campgrounds, parks and rental car companies offer enhanced cleaning policies. For extra confidence, look for Diamond hotels that display a AAA Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping badge. Oregon has 181 properties from Albany to Yachats that are honored. Here’s the complete list of Oregon properties.
- When you check into your room, wipe down commonly touched surfaces with disinfectant. Pay special attention to light switches, door knobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, and remote controls.
- Check with any museums, parks, attractions, etc. you want to visit and consider purchasing tickets in advance. Many will have reduced operating hours and limit the number of visitors at a time. Many also require face masks.
- Bring snacks, beverages and non-perishable foods with you. Grocery stores and restaurants may have limited hours. Check to see if restaurants are open, and if they offer dine-in service, take-out and/or delivery. Pack picnic supplies and look for scenic stops where you can enjoy the outdoors while social distancing.
- Pack hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting products such as face masks, hand sanitizer, soap, wipes, sprays, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, thermometer, gloves, etc. as these items may be difficult to purchase while you’re on the road.
- Pay with a credit card instead of cash and use a wipe or sanitizing spray to disinfect your credit card before putting it away.
- Take all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
- Consider working with a travel professional to help plan your trip. They can help you sort through all of the pandemic-related restrictions, help you get the biggest bang for your vacation dollars, and act as an advocate if plans change unexpectedly. Visit AAA.com/Travel to get started.
- Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the coronavirus pandemic. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair.
Top Road Trip Destinations
This fall, vacationers are showing a preference for the great American road trip and U.S. destinations that allow for socially distanced, outdoor recreation. Here are the top searches at AAA.com by members of AAA Oregon/Idaho:
- Missoula, MT
- Denver, CO
- Las Vegas, NV
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Phoenix, AZ
- Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
- Colorado Springs, CO
National parks, state parks and locations that provide an escape from crowds are also of great interest. Crater Lake, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks were very popular destinations during the summer and early fall but are impacted by winter weather.
AAA offers essential information and resources. Check these out:
- Coronavirus: COVID-19 Information for Travelers From AAA – Visit for the latest travel information and tips during the pandemic.
- AAA Road Trips – find the perfect road trip in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, or any other part of North America along with travel tips and expert advice, and AAA Diamond properties along the way.
- AAA Travel Guides – find expert insight about where to go, how to get around, what to do and see, and what not to miss. These vacation planners offer suggested itineraries and more to help you best know how to plan a trip without missing anything along the way.
- For more information and to get started planning a future trip, visit AAA.com/Travel.
Thanksgiving and Holiday travel
AAA will release Thanksgiving travel projections on November 12, and the year-end holiday travel projections on December 15.
“For those who want to fly to visit loved ones over the holidays, now is a good time to book your flights. Most major airlines have waived change fees so you can alter your plans if necessary. But this doesn’t mean you can get a refund if you decide not to go, or that you won’t have to pay the difference in fare if you change to a more expensive flight. It’s very important to read the fine print,” says Loofburrow.
About AAA
AAA provides more than 61 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 32 motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.
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Find local news releases at https://www.oregon.aaa.com/category/news-releases/