International travel is up more than 200% compared to 2022, and the spike in demand in turn is driving up airfares, AAA Northeast reports.
Airfares for international trips have risen more than 30% while hotel bookings are up more than 300% compared to last year.
“Travelers are making up for lost time and willing to spend more to see the world,” said Cyndi Zesk, AAA Northeast vice president of travel. “If you do your homework and rely on travel experts, like AAA travel advisors, there are deals to be had. But the key is giving yourself plenty of time to plan.”
AAA reports Europe and Canada are the most popular international destinations. London tops the list, with a nearly 350% increase over last year followed by these European hotspots: Rome, Paris, Dublin, and Barcelona. Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary are the most popular Canadian destinations.
“There’s nothing like going abroad,” Zesk said. “There’s excitement this year for international travel but there’s also lot of questions.” Here are 10 ways to prepare for your next international trip:
- Prioritize your passport –Obtaining a passport typically takes 8 to 11 weeks. The US State Department reports current wait times of 10 -13 weeks for routine applications, and seven to nine weeks for expedited services. Check your existing passport’s expiration date because some countries require passports to be valid for six months beyond your US departure date. AAA members get exclusive rates on expediting services for U.S. passports and global travel visas through RushMyPassport.
- Don’t Know Where to Visit? Start Here. Browse destinations or curated trips on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free online travel tool, or see a AAA travel advisor in person, online, or by phone to brainstorm ideas and create itineraries.
- Follow the Leader. First-time travelers or travelers who haven’t been abroad in years benefit from guided tours, where an expert leads the way.
- Been There? Done That? Try This. Club Adventures by AAA focuses on small group tours that concentrate on adventure and local culture. Antarctica, Costa Rica, Iceland, Peru, Morocco, and Vietnam are high-demand destination.
- Unpack Once; See the World. Book a cruise if you want to experience multiple destinations without staying in multiple hotels. AAA booking data shows cruises departing from international destinations are up 30% compared to 2022, especially those sailing in Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
- Renting a Car? You’ll Need This. Apply for an International Driver’s license that allows you to drive legally in many countries. The US State Department authorizes AAA to issue IDPs.
- Protect Your Investment. Trip delays, expenses incurred from missed flights, lost luggage or potential medical expenses may be covered by travel insurance. Contact a trusted travel advisor to choose the right plan.
- Other Ways to Save. Be flexible with travel dates. Traveling off-season may mean better deals. Flying mid-week may also be cheaper than weekends. When booking hotels, avoid pricier properties in the city center and determine what the resort fees, parking, and internet charges.
- Enroll in STEP. Download the State Department’s Smart Traveler app (www.state.gov) for up-to-date travel advisories. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive alerts about your destination.
- Take It From The Pros. Connect with a AAA Travel advisor! They’ll make sure you maximize your international travel experiences.