This is despite high gas prices.
Frederick, Md. (KM) – The highways could be a little crowded this summer. According to a national survey conducted by AAA, 70% of Americans are planning to travel as much or more so compared to past years. Ragina Ali, Government and Public Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says out of that, more than 40% of Marylanders who were surveyed are planning to travel more than last year, and 45% are planning more than one trip.
“We are continuing to see at AAA that pent up demand is the primary driver in the desire and willingness for people to travel.” say Ali.
She notes more people are anxious to get out of town after two years of not traveling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over 40% of Maryland residents say that they are more comfortable traveling because their post-COVID concerns have eased,” says Ali.
And it seems that high gas prices are not a deterrent. “Despite the fact that gas prices are at record highs, more than 40% of Maryland residents say gas prices were not even a consideration in their travel planning, and we’re expecting to see much of the Great American Road Trip this summer,” Ali says.
Among those who say gas prices are a consideration in their plans to get away, the AAA national survey says more than 40% say they are taking fewer trips because of the cost of getting there and over 15% say they will adjust their budgets for lodging and dining due to gas prices.
The survey was conducted April 8th and 9th among 8800 Americans in the District of Columbia, and 12 states, including Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia The survey has a margin of error of +/-1.0%, says AAA
If you are planning to travel this summer, Ali urges you to consult with a travel adviser. “They will know and will be able to provide great tips for you as far as what we can expect as we return to travel so to speak, and what restrictions, if any, exist in the destination where you plan to travel,”: she says.
AAA also recommends you go on line to AAA Fuel Price Finder to learn where to find the cheapest gas in the area you plan to visit.
By Kevin McManus