Ga. Travel Sales Up, Says AAA

A recent survey from AAA shows that travel is expected to increase in Georgia and around the country this year.

AAA Georgia Public Affairs Director Garrett Townsend said that the agency is seeing a major jump in travel sales in Georgia this year when compared to last year.

“In Georgia, travel sales are up 27 percent year over year in January,” said Townsend. “That is reflecting a huge demand increase compared to January 2016.”

Townsend went on to say that multiple factors could be at play.

However, he said it appears that pent-up travel demand is driving growth in travel bookings.

“Last year, there were concerns about terrorism, the Zika virus was in the headlines, and there was uncertainty regarding the presidential election,” said Townsend. “This year, at least two of those items are sort of behind us and we think people are feeling more comfortable in traveling.”

AAA said 35 percent of Americans are planning to take a vacation of 50 miles or more away from home involving two or more immediate family members this year.

Most families are planning one or two vacations, according to the AAA survey.

However, the AAA survey said 13 percent more Americans are planning three or more family vacations this year when compared to 2016.

The survey went on to say that the top family vacation is the road trip, with 10 percent more families expected to take a road trip this year, despite higher gas prices than this time a year ago.