First came Black Friday, followed by Cyber Monday and Shop Local Saturday – and now there’s a new trend catching on called Travel Tuesday, which is scheduled for December 3. Chances are, you’ve seen #TravelTuesday on social media throughout the year. Well expect to see more of it this week, post-Thanksgiving, as travelers are encouraged to take advantage of holiday travel deals.

“At AAA Western and Central New York, we see more and more individuals looking to give the gift of travel to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Brian Murray, director of travel at AAA WCNY. “After all, you can’t go wrong - it’s one size fits all!”

Many travelers do choose to present loved ones with a vacation as a holiday gift, whether it is in the form of a pre-planned trip or a AAA gift certificate. A recent AAA Travel survey finds that one-quarter of Americans plan to take an international vacation over the next 12 to 18 months. AAA’s advance travel booking data suggests that many travelers will head to popular European destinations like Rome, London, Dublin and Paris, and warm-weather locales in Mexico and the Caribbean, with most travelers in search of unique experiences. Orlando remains the number one domestic destination for AAA bookings from Western and Central New York.

Research by the U.S. Travel Association shows that planners have a distinct advantage over non-planners: They use more of their time, take longer vacations, and are happier.

• 53 percent of planners took all of their vacation time vs. 43 percent of non-planners.
• Planners are also more likely than non-planners to use all or most of their time off to travel (33% to 18%).
• More planners report they are “very” or “extremely” happy with their personal relationships (81% vs. 68%), health and well-being (56% vs. 43%), company (57% vs. 50%), and job (56% vs. 48%) compared to non-planners.

Many of AAA’s travel partners are jumping on the Travel Tuesday trend by offering special discounts or extending Black Friday discounts through Tuesday, December 3. Here’s a look at some of the current offers:

• Celebrity Cruises: 1 free perk ‐ classic beverage package ‐ unlimited internet ‐ prepaid gratuities. Valid 11/26‐12/3/19
• Oceania Cruises: free upgrade sale for bookings made between 11/26‐12/3/19
• CIE Tours: savings of 15% off select guided tours. Valid 11/25 – 12/3/19
• Cunard: savings up to 50% off Launch Fares + Only a $100 Non‐Refundable Deposit. Expires 12/4/2019
• Princess Cruises: Free WIFI, $800 OBC + room location upgrade + wine & dine, savings up to 40% off. Valid 11/26‐12/10/19

For more information or to start planning a trip, visit AAA.com/Travel or simply call 855-862-6651.