As we enter the last week of April, many so called “snowbirds” will be returning home to Western and Central New York from winter getaways down south. Snowbirds is the common term for local residents who spend their winters down south and their summers up north. AAA Western and Central New York wants to ensure that all travelers have a positive experience on their return with health and safety measures in place.

AAA advises travelers to follow CDC guidelines and to pack masks and hand sanitizer when traveling. To keep healthy and safe, AAA Western and Central New York has the following tips:

• With businesses operating at limited capacity, planning further in advance is AAA’s number one tip.
• Check TripTik.AAA.com for the latest travel restrictions for each state with our COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map.
• If you choose to fly, bring hand sanitizer and wipes to clean high touch surfaces and check your airline at least 24 hours before departure to ensure no changes (such as flight times) took place.
• If you choose to drive, use rest stops and gas stations on the interstates or just off the exits in larger areas, make sure they are well-lit if traveling at night.
  • Use a disposable tissue/paper towel when pumping gas and immediately wash hands/hand sanitizer.
  • Check TripTik.AAA.com to see if a state’s rest area services are limited (such as dine-in options at fast food locations).
• Use a trusted AAA travel consultant to make arrangement for stop-over hotel reservations. AAA recommends our AAA preferred partners or the major hotel chains. 

For snowbirds travelling by motor vehicle, an additional tip, members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Locate gas prices across the country at http://gasprices.aaa.com.

Lastly, after the long drive home, check your vehicle to ensure it’s running smoothly. Motorists can look for a AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) Facility here. And if you experience car issues on the journey back home, our roadside assistance team is always available.

Travelers can find more safety tips can be found at www.AAA.com/Travel and can reach AAA Travel directly at 800-937-1222, contact a AAA Travel Consultant, or visit www.AAA.com.