National Plan for Vacation Day – January 30

Latest Travel Trend: Indulgence

AAA Travel bookings indicate travelers are spending more, staying longer

OKLAHOMA CITY  —  AAA Travel bookings point to a new trend: indulgence. According to the latest data, travelers spent 35% more per trip in 2023 than in 2022, and increased the length of each stay by more than 20%.

On National Plan for Vacation Day*, travelers are encouraged to plan for vacation. Each year, Americans leave more than 600 million vacation days unused. But when it comes to taking a vacation, it is the planners of the world who get the job done.

“We are seeing an increase in travel overall, but AAA Travel bookings indicate that people are spending more on their getaways and staying longer,” says Rylie Fletcher, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “Travelers who want the best rooms on cruises or guided tours will need to book further in advance because splurging is in and those options are selling out.”

Specifically, in 2022, those who booked travel through AAA spent an average of about $3,700 and traveled approximately seven and a half days. Last year, the average booking was more than $5,000 and travel time was extended to more than nine days.

Easy Does It

In keeping with the trend toward indulgence, ease of travel is also key, as evidenced by a record number of travelers attending TSA PreCheck® events at our AAA Retail locations. Last year, almost 30,000 travelers visited AAA to enroll in the program that affords flyers an expedited experience through airport security. We expect the popularity of this offering to continue this year. Other travel-related services, including passport photos and foreign currency exchange, were also up year-over-year.

AAA is offering several TSA PreCheck events at retail locations in the Philadelphia five-county area. Visit AAA.com/TSA to learn more.

AAA’s Six Tips for Travel in 2024:

1. Book early – Flights, hotels, tours, cruises and car rentals remain at a premium. The earlier you book, the better your chance to lock in favorable rates and take advantage of discounts for pre-paying.
2. Work with a travel advisor – Air travel disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations are not uncommon. A trusted advisor can help you explore options, book the best deals and advocate on your behalf should any issues arise, ensuring the best possible travel experience from beginning to end. For those who prefer DIY, AAA’s Trip Canvas tool allows you to explore and book travel on your own, but still provides access to AAA advisors should any issues arise before or during your trip.
3. Protect your investment – AAA strongly recommends travel insurance. A solid policy provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Policies vary, so talk to your travel advisor about options. They know you, your trip, your budget and your specific needs and can easily walk you through what travel insurance policy makes the most sense.
4. Protect your ID – In addition to protecting physical documents such as your passport, travelers should take extra steps to avoid identity theft, an inconvenience at any time but especially when traveling. AAA Members get FREE Identify Theft Protection with their Membership, and it is one of our most valued offerings.
5. Track your luggage – Pack peace of mind by including a tracking device in your luggage. That way, if your luggage does not arrive when you do, at least you will be able to see where it is and ensure its safe return. Trackers are available at most AAA Retail locations or online at Shop.ClubAlliance.AAA.com.
6. Exchange for foreign currency in advance – AAA Retail locations offer most foreign currencies. Exchange in advance to ensure you have some money on hand as soon as you touch down.