The spring travel season is upon us, and road trips will continue to be popular this spring and summer season. Sure, air travel is on the rise as noted in TSA numbers which can be found here. But many travelers continue to travel by car, which explains an increase in car rentals.

In fact, in March 2021, online car rentals at www.AAA.com reached their highest level since AAA began recording such bookings in 2010. Many travelers are choosing to rent vehicles to avoid mileage on their own personal vehicle, to socially distance as a family, and to avoid ride sharing after flying to their destination.

It’s no surprise that AAA.com car rentals were up more than 200% in March 2021 compared to March 2020, when travel restrictions were first put into place. AAA.com is known for having exceptional rates on rental cars. AAA members get special discounts – for example, today Hertz is offering 30% off on weekly rentals.

AAA Western and Central New York notes that airfare sales are at 50% of their pre-pandemic level, which reinforces the need for more rental cars.

In March, hotels booked at AAA.com returned to pre-COVID levels. Similar to car rentals, AAA members also receive additional hotel discounts and best price guarantee. Travelers can also find hotels easily in their vicinity with the AAA Mobile App at www.AAA.com/Mobile, which also alerts motorists to the cheapest gas prices in their area.

Currently, the national average is $2.88, while the New York State average is $2.91. Demand is up with so many Easter travelers heading out this week.

“AAA Western and Central New York has also seen an uptick in the number of visitors to area offices with the milestone of 5,000 visitors reached between March 1 and 24,” explained Brian Murray, director of travel at AAA Western and Central New York. “With more vaccines becoming available and travel restrictions being lifted, we are definitely seeing an increase in bookings as many travelers have a pent-up demand.”

AAA has more than 60 million members and is the largest travel agency in the United States. In 2020, AAA Western and Central New York unveiled virtual appointments where travelers can request a video chat with a travel advisor, which has become a convenient feature. This week, AAA Western and Central New York unveiled AAA Travel Plus, a team of ten senior travel sales advisors who work remotely across Western and Central New York offering travelers new flexibility. Video conferencing is available for vacation planning or the advisors can meet with travelers at their favorite coffee shop even on nights or weekends.

No matter where you’re going, AAA is here for you before during and after your trip. Travel safety tips can be found at www.AAA.com/Travel. Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. Use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and help determine where to stop along your route.