PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Many Americans determined not to skip out on a vacation are turning to more affordable options.
Jana Tidwell with AAA Mid-Atlantic said every summer has been busy with vacationers since the pandemic temporarily eliminated air travel.
“Post-pandemic, people didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to travel after it had been taken away,” she said. “It has almost become an expectation for people not to give up that opportunity to travel.”
It’s much easier to secure a booking at the Jersey Shore than in years past. Ocean City stays range from $1,000 for a week in mid-July to several thousand for larger, more luxurious homes.
Vacationers are expected to pay close attention to their bank accounts this year as new tariff policies take effect, and Tidwell suggests exploring new places.
One option is to swap a week down the shore for a road trip.
“It’s typically the most convenient mode of transportation, it’s the most flexible. Start when you want. Stop when you want. So we will always see a majority of travelers traveling by car,” she said.
Tidwell also recommended booking a hotel with a free breakfast, which could save hundreds of dollars, especially for families.
“That can be a big savings over multiple days, and the convenience of just walking downstairs to the hotel lobby to enjoy breakfast before you’re out and about for the day,” she said.