Summer Travel Forecast
This summer, AAA forecasts Americans will take 700 million trips. While that number is down nearly 15% compared to last summer, and it’s the first decline in summer travel since 2009, we do see some popular themes. AAA booking trends show Americans are making travel plans, especially for summer road trips, though cautiously and more spur of the moment. AAA travel experts have seen hotel and rental car bookings gradually increasing since April.

With travel restrictions lifting but social distancing still recommended, it’s no surprise that 97% of summer trips are road trips. That’s up from an average of 87% over the last five years. Road trips allow travelers to make their own schedule and customize stops based on comfort level and interests. For families, especially those with small children, it is an easy and less expensive way to travel. And an added benefit right now - gas prices remain low. The New York state average is $2.24, as of June 24.

This summer, road trippers should plan their travel in advance using AAA TripTik – a tradition that has guided generations of road trippers with paper and digital maps. Plus, it now includes COVID-19 Travel Restriction updates. 

AAA Travel & Insurance Centers are Open
AAA Western and Central New York is pleased to announce that all our offices are open for business as of June 24. Our associates are available for all your summer needs.

• Please check AAA.com for the most current operating hours or call us at 800-836-2582 to make sure we are open before visiting.
• If you work with a specific travel or insurance agent, please contact them directly to confirm their hours and availability. 
• REMINDER: E-ZPass Tags are available at AAA offices and are recommended for cashless tolling and contactless payment on the New York State Thruway. Find out more here.

The safety of our Associates and our Members is our top priority.
Here’s what you can expect when you visit our Travel & Insurance Centers:

• If you feel sick, please do not visit our offices.
• Please bring, and wear, a face covering, and always maintain six feet of social distancing.
• We ask that you limit the number of people in your party to two adults. If possible, please leave children at home to protect the health and safety of your family.
• Prearranged appointments are highly encouraged.
• Waiting room space will be limited. If a short wait time is necessary, we may ask you to wait in your vehicle after checking in.
• Although we will accept cash, credit card payments are preferred.
• Restrooms will not be open to the public, we apologize for the inconvenience. 
• Please understand that we are all in this together. If someone becomes ill, we may choose to close an office on short notice in the best interest of our associates and members.

Virtual appointments are still available.

• We are happy to assist you by phone or email at any time if you don’t feel comfortable coming to our offices. All transactions can be completed virtually.
• You can book a meeting with one of our agents by visiting AAA.com/Locations.

AAA Road Trip Safety Tips 

• Be sure to pack face coverings, gloves, cleaning supplies, like disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer, and thermometer. 
• If you can’t find gloves, bring some plastic sandwich bags. They can serve as an effective barrier between your hand and a fuel pump handle, doorknob, hotel remote control, etc.
• Also, consider packing extra snacks to reduce the need to stop at restaurants – which may not be open or might be operating at reduced capacity.
• TripTik.AAA.com can help you determine which rest stops, gas stations and hotels are open along your route.
• If you need to use a restroom, try not to touch anything. Use gloves or a plastic sandwich bag as barriers between your skin and surfaces. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you leave.
• For close-to-home road trips, let AAA help you with some great destinations which you can find here.

Know Before You Go
No matter how a traveler gets to their final destination, AAA recommends considering these points before you go:

• 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. 
• Visit AAA’s Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Map at TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions.
• Pack face coverings, gloves and cleaning supplies - like disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer - and a thermometer. 
• Take all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
• As a first step in planning any trip, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. You can learn more about which states have restrictions here.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as you visit our Travel & Insurance Centers. Stay up to date by following AAA Western and Central New York on Facebook and visiting AAA.com.

Visit your local AAA office today!

AAA LOCATIONS