Travelers hop to warm vacation destinations this Easter

Families looking to make memories, share experiences

By AAA of Western and Central New York

After a long winter, travelers from across the region are headed to warmer destinations to celebrate Easter. The holiday is peak time for spring break travel, so travelers should be prepared for crowds and give themselves plenty of time on the roads and in the airports. Thursday and Friday, April 18 and 19, are peak days for departure, and Saturday, April 20, will also be busy. On the return, Sunday, April 28, will be the busiest day.

A recent AAA survey showed nearly 100 million Americans plan to take family vacations this year. According to the latest research from AAA Travel, just under half (45 percent) are making plans to travel as a family this spring, while two-thirds of all family travelers (68 percent) will embark on a summer getaway.

AAA WCNY has seen a significant increase in requests for TripTiks, maps and rental cars for Easter road trips. Gas prices have increased, but that is not deterring travelers from taking much-needed getaways. There is one top destination for Easter road trips that is overwhelmingly popular this year and that is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At 12 to 13 hours from Western or Central New York, Myrtle Beach is a perfect road trip getaway for local families who want to hit the beach and enjoy family entertainment options.

For those who are flying, the top vacations for local travelers from Western and Central New York (based on flights booked between April 18-30) are

• Orlando
• Caribbean cruise
• Punta Cana
• European cruise
• Jamaica
• Cancun
• Las Vegas
• Turks & Caicos
• Aruba
• Italy

If traveling by air, always be mindful of TSA regulations to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure and check flight status with airlines ahead of time. Sign up for alerts from your airline. Limit jewelry and liquids and have travel documents easily accessible at security.

For those heading out on road trips, be mindful AAA’s top roadside breakdowns are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts. Always have a certified mechanic from one of AAA’s approved auto repair (AAR) facilities check your vehicle over before you begin your trip. Avoid distractions behind the wheel and be mindful April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Drivers talking on a cellphone are up to four times as likely to crash while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.

Before setting out on a vacation, travelers should contact their local AAA office (855-862-6651) for the expert advice of a trusted travel adviser. Travelers can also download the free AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can be used to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find more than 59,000 AAA approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request roadside assistance and more. For more information or to begin planning a trip, visit AAA.com/Travel.