AAA: At least 34 million fewer Americans to travel this holiday season
MILWAUKEE - AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans to stay home this holiday season. While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in the travel of at least 29 percent.
According to AAA, more than 2.2 million Wisconsinites traveled last year during the holiday season and this year is showing a 30.2 percent decrease with 1.7 million travelers.
"While Thanksgiving is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, the year-end holidays are when Americans often venture out for longer, more elaborate vacations. That will not be the case this year," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. "Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Americans to stay home for the holidays."
The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
For those who make the personal decision to travel, it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android
Below is a list from AAA of what you need to know before you go:
Plan Ahead. Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.
Follow Public Health Guidance.
- The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.
- Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular handwashing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.
Verify Before You Go. Call ahead to minimize any last-minute surprises.
- Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.
- Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.
Featured
EMT has symptoms after CPR on flight before man died of COVID
Tony Aldapa, a Navy veteran, said his training kicked in when he saw a passenger needed medical help on a Dec. 14 flight to Los Angeles. That man later died, and Aldapa is experiencing symptoms.
Featured
Coronavirus vaccinations begin for Milwaukee County workers
Employees at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division were the first county workers to get immunized. Still, many more people are in need of the vaccine.