The expected surge in travelers suggests neither the new omicron variant of COVID-19 nor travel costs will be a major deterrent for people planning long-distance trips to friends and family, particularly because vaccines against the virus are now widely available, AAA said. Indeed, since omicron first became widely known in late November, a daily Morning Consult survey of 6,000 U.S. consumers shows their view of financial conditions—their own and within the economy—has barely changed. “Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still be mindful of the pandemic and the new omicron variant,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. (AAA’s statement on Tuesday said the forecast was actually prepared on Nov. 15, before the World Health Organization declared omicron a “variant of concern.”) AAA said prices for holiday travel are higher than last year: mid-range AAA approved hotels are up 36% for Christmas travel, average rental car rates are up 20% for Christmas week and 65% for New Year’s, and airfares are up 5% for Christmas week and 27% for New Year’s, according to AAA flight booking data. And of course, there’s the more than $1-a-gallon spike in gasoline, which will impact the vast majority of holiday travelers, since 91% are expected to drive. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Medora at medoralee@thebalance.com.
