After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life for several years, Americans are more ready than ever to travel. But they don't want to stay in the states -- they want to see the world.
New data shows that international travel is on the rise this year. According to AAA, international travel is up more than 200% compared to last year.
AAA data also shows that hotel bookings have seen the biggest year-over-year increase, jumping more than 300%.
The spike in demand in travel is driving up airfares, AAA says, with ticket prices for international trips up more than 30%.
"Travelers are making up for lost time and willing to spend more to see the world," Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA, said in a statement. "There's nothing like going abroad."
Europe and Canada are the most popular international destinations, per AAA's data. London tops the list, with a nearly 350% increase over last year. Rome, Paris, Dublin and Barcelona are other European hot spots. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are the most popular Canadian destinations.
Travelers wanting to experience multiple destinations without staying at multiple hotels are booking cruises. This year, cruising is in high demand, AAA says, with cruises departing from international destinations up 30% compared to 2022.
Cruises sailing in Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean are among the most popular. European river cruises and ships sailing in the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia are also high on the list.
While prices for international travel are up, Twidale said there are still deals to be had -- the key is giving yourself plenty of time to plan ahead.
One of the best ways to save money on international travel is to be flexible with your dates, AAA says. Traveling during the off-season can mean better deals and fewer crowds. For example, going to Europe in October or February can save you money on airfare and lodging.
Another way to spend less is flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to AAA. Mid-week flights tend to be cheaper, as many airlines add weekend surcharges.
To save money when booking a hotel, AAA suggests trying to avoid properties in the city center, which tend to be pricier. Also, find out how much the hotel charges in resort fees, parking, and internet — all of that adds up.
Of course, you can't travel internationally without a passport. If you don't have a passport or yours needs to be renewed, apply for one as soon as possible. Routine service normally takes 8 to 11 weeks, but pandemic-related application backlogs coupled with a surge in travel demand are leading to longer wait times, anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks. Even some expedited services are seeing delays of about 7 to 9 weeks, AAA says.
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