This summer, AAA forecasts Americans will take 700 million trips based on economic indicators and state reopenings.

That number is down nearly 15 percent compared to last July through September and is the first decline in summer travel since 2009.

AAA booking trends show Americans are making travel plans, though cautiously and more spur of the moment.

“Americans will get out and explore this summer though they’re taking a ‘wait and see approach’ when it comes to booking and are likely to book more long weekend getaways than extended vacations,” said Sergio Avila, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “When they do venture out, the greatest share of travelers – 683 million - will take to the road to satisfy their wanderlust.”

Car trips reign supreme accounting for 97 percent of the favored mode of transportation. Road trips will also see the smallest decrease in travel volume of just 3 percent year-over-year.

Air travel will be off by about 74 percent, while rail, cruise ship and bus travel will slide by 86 percent. Were it not for the pandemic, AAA would be projecting 857 million trips during the third quarter, a 3.6 percent increase over last year. By this analysis, the pandemic wiped out nearly 150 million person-trips this summer.

It’s not all bad news. AAA travel experts have begun to see positive trends in travel, noting that hotel and rental car bookings have been gradually increasing since April. Air travel has been slower to rebound. The share of travelers making plans 48 hours to seven days before departure – a sign that people are arranging last-minute trips – is significantly higher than normal.

Road trips + top TripkTik destinations

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 percent 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.

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.

“Beyond routing your map in advance, it is important to book hotels and plan out gas and food stops. Also, keep in mind that some national parks and attractions have capacity limits, so if there is a must-do activity on your trip, you'll want to make arrangements for these in advance,” added Avila.

When it comes to TripTik destination searches, prominent cities that typically draw large crowds are not as popular. Orlando has dropped from the top searched city destination to number eight while Denver makes the biggest climb from number 10 to No. 1: (data based on TripTik.AAA.com searches from March 15 – June 14, 2020)

1. Denver
2. Las Vegas
3. Los Angeles
4. Seattle
5. Phoenix
6. Portland
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
8. Orlando
9. San Diego
10. Nashville

For travelers looking to plan their Great American Road Trip, AAA recommends visiting https://www.aaa.com/roadtrips/ .

Road trips and traffic across the country

INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, analyzed the top 20 metropolitan areas and all states to inform travelers of the chances they will run into traffic when they travel.

While the top 20 metro areas will remain below typical traffic congestion, a number of states could expect to see traffic congestion rise to normal levels – but still be below usual summer traffic patterns.

Using the latest vehicle miles traveled data available, INRIX has classified three categories to analyze traffic:

· Lower: Probably not going to run into “normal” traffic congestion while traveling.
· Middle: Below 50 percent chance to run into “normal” traffic congestion while traveling.
· Upper: More likely than not to run into “normal” traffic congestion while traveling.

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.