Where’s Everybody Going?!

AAA Travel experts weigh in on what Travel destinations are Hot

Hamilton, NJ (January 16, 2017) – It’s cold outside. If these frigid temperatures have you thinking about getting away to someplace sunny, you’re not alone.

According to a recent AAA survey, 42 percent of Americans are planning to take a vacation in 2017 – with most planning trips to the warm weather destinations in the U.S. and abroad. All signs are pointing to a busy year for vacationers and the travel industry. Approximately one-third (30 percent) of U.S. adults say they are more likely to take a vacation this year compared to 2016, and they’re looking for a new kind of travel experience. 

“’Experience’ is now the big buzz word when it comes to making travel plans, both domestically and internationally as well,” says Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “It’s not just ‘where can I go?’ It’s ‘what can I do when I get there?’

With much of the country in the midst of bitter cold temps, warm-weather destinations in the United States and Caribbean are topping most Americans’ travel itineraries and the same holds true for here in New Jersey. 

AAA Mid-Atlantic travel experts find that local travelers are booking trips to the following locations:

International:

1. Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
3. Dublin, Ireland
4. Rome, Italy
5. London, England

Domestic:

1. Orlando, Florida
2. Anaheim, California
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Anchorage, Alaska

According to AAA, destinations with the most notable increases in travel bookings include Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Toronto and Vancouver, Canada; and Cancun, Mexico.

AAA’s travel experts have identified these top trends for 2017:

• Experiential Travel: Both novice and expert travelers alike are seeking travel experiences that help to facilitate a deeper connection to the cultures, people and traditions of a destination. For example, AAA has noted an increase in travelers booking tours that include opportunities to dine with local families or receive hands-on tutorials from local craftspeople.
   
• O Canada: Canada is an increasingly popular vacation destination, thanks to its close location and favorable currency exchange rates that make trips there affordable and accessible to more Americans. Canada will also celebrate its 150^th birthday in 2017, offering visitors many opportunities to experience special events and learn more about the country’s history and traditions.
   
• The “I”s Have It: AAA notes a significant amount of demand for travelers visiting Europe in 2017. Ireland and Iceland are expected to be particularly popular, thanks to the availability of low airfares and the perception that both countries are safe—yet for many travelers, previously unexplored—destinations.
   
• River Cruising: According to a AAA survey, four in 10 Americans would consider a river cruise for an upcoming vacation and 24 percent said they are likely to take a river cruise in the next five years. And despite the perception that river cruising appeals primarily to older generations, millennials are more likely to consider a river cruise for an upcoming vacation than either their Generation X or Baby Boomer counterparts.
   
• National Parks: The National Park Service celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2016, to great fanfare. Following all-time record visitation in 2015, the national parks remain an attractive vacation destination for many. According to a recent AAA survey, 79 percent of Americans say they are as likely or more likely to visit a national park through the first half of this year, building on the momentum of last year’s centennial celebrations.

Before setting out on a vacation, travelers should contact their local AAA office for the expert advice of a trusted travel advisor who can provide personalized service and first-hand destination knowledge to create a memorable vacation experience.  Travelers can also download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can be used to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request roadside assistance and more. For more information or to begin planning a trip, visit AAA.com/Travel.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 56 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.