As we enter the final weekend and the last week of April, many so called “snow birds” will be returning home to Western and Central New York from winter getaways down south.  Snow birds is the common term for local residents who spend their winters down south and their summers up north.

With limited travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AAA Western and Central New York is seeing an influx in calls from snow birds who are looking for the safest routes to return home. As a safety advocate, AAA wants to ensure that all travelers have a positive experience on their return with health and safety measures in place.

To keep healthy and safe, AAA Western and Central New York advises the following:

• Travel on AAA recommended interstates and routes. This map outlines travel restrictions.
• Use rest stops and gas stations on the interstates or just off the exits in larger areas, make sure they are well-lit if traveling at night.
  • Use a disposable tissue/paper towel when pumping gas and immediately wash hands/hand sanitizer.
• Use a trusted AAA travel consultant to make arrangement for stop-over hotel reservations. AAA recommends our AAA preferred partners or the major hotel chains. Avoid “off the beaten path” lodging at this time.
• Use AAA.com to generate TripTiks or reach out to AAA by phone at 855-862-6651 for a travel consultant to arrange digital TripTiks, maps and other information, which can be sent via email.

Most snow birds return to New York by the end of April, with this week expecting to be busy as snow bird season wraps up.

Travelers will be able to take advantage of low gas prices, especially down south, as they make their return. AAA members receive discounts at gas stations such as Fastrac, Maple Leaf Market and Shell locations across the country. Learn more here. Motorists can always find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Locate gas prices across the country at http://gasprices.aaa.com.

With so much travel postponed due to the pandemic, AAA Western and Central New York anticipates a pent-up demand for travel this summer and fall. AAA Travel Consultants are currently working from home to rebook passengers and reschedule trips. Travelers are advised to plan future trips now as inventory will be limited. Those who have future travel credits should use them to reschedule trips promptly and be prepared to travel when it’s deemed safe.

Travelers can reach AAA Travel directly at 800-937-1222, contact a AAA Travel Consultant directly over the phone, or visit www.AAA.com.