A new poll by AAA Travel finds travelers making big plans to get away this summer despite the highest gas prices in years. In fact, 70% of residents polled across twelve states and the District of Columbia say they are planning to travel as much – or MORE - this summer than last summer, and many say it will be their first significant summer travel since before the pandemic.

“The results of this new AAA Travel poll indicate that COVID concerns have eased dramatically and the majority residents are making plans to get away despite gas prices,” says AAA Travel spokesperson Amy Short. “While domestic travel will dominate, it is interesting to note the number of people making plans to travel internationally as well. That’s something we have not seen since 2019.”

About 60 percent of those surveyed say they are planning at least one trip – with more than 40 percent saying they are planning multiple trips.

By the Numbers

• About 60% of those surveyed say they are planning at least one summer trip of 50 miles or more
• About 35% of those surveyed say they are planning to travel MORE than last summer
• About 20% of those surveyed say they are planning their first significant summer travel since before the pandemic
• More than 40% of those surveyed say they are planning multiple trips
• Of those traveling, more than 20% are planning international travel

Gas Prices

More than 40% of those surveyed say gas prices were not even a consideration in their travel planning but:

• More than 40% of those surveyed say they are taking fewer or shorter trips because of gas prices
• More than 15% of those surveyed say they will adjust their budget for lodging or dining out because of gas prices

Of those who say they are staying home or are unsure about their summer travel plans, more than 40 percent cite gas prices as the biggest factor influencing that decision.

COVID Concerns

Of the significant number of residents planning to travel more this summer than last:

• About 40% say it is because their personal COVID concerns have eased
• Almost 25% say it is because travel concerns have eased at their destinations

Methodology:

The AAA survey of 8,800 residents across CT, DE, KS, KY, MD, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SD, VA, WV and the District of Columbia was conducted April 8-12, 2022 by Public Policy Polling. The survey has a margin of error of +/-1.0%. 

About AAA:

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62,000,000 members nationally.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.

For More information and local interviews:

Connecticut – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Delaware – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

Indiana – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kansas – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kentucky – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Maryland – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

New Jersey – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Ohio – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Oklahoma – Leslie Gamble, Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org

Pennsylvania – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

South Dakota – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Virginia – Morgan Dean, Morgan MDean@aaamidatlantic.com

Washington, DC – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

West Virginia – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com