AAA Western and Central New York chose National Virtual Vacation Day to announce the top destinations for Easter travelers as pandemic-style virtual vacations are being replaced with international getaways, cruises, and beach destinations. More than three years since the pandemic began, travel has gone from hold to bold as travelers try to make up for lost time.

“Travelers are truly prioritizing their vacations,” said Brian Murray, Sr. Manager of Travel at AAA Western and Central New York. “This spring, we saw international travel increase 30 percent over last year while overall spring travel surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Now travelers are already making plans for 2024 and 2025.”

Murray noted that many families are also taking multigenerational vacations. A recent AAA national survey found that more than 40% of U.S. adults with Spring Break plans were traveling with three generations.

With many area schools closed the week before Easter, eager travelers are heading out to warmer destinations. Here’s a look at top destinations booked for Easter (4/1 to 4/8) through AAA Western and Central New York:

1. Orlando — theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, along with cruising out of Port Canaveral (also ranked 1st last year)
2. Miami and Ft. Lauderdale — cruising to the Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale was 2nd last year and Miami was 6th)
3. Cancun (all-inclusive vacations, up from 8th last year)
4. Punta Cana (all-inclusive vacations, down from 3rd last year)
5. Nassau (up from 10th last year)
6. Montego Bay (down from 4th last year) 

For those taking road trips, AAA Western and Central New York’s Route Production Department, which handles maps and TripTik requests, reports an increase in route requests for destinations like Florida; South Carolina (Myrtle Beach); North Carolina (the Outer Banks); New York City; and Virginia.

Gas prices have been fluctuating in recent weeks. As of today, the national average for a gallon of unleaded is $3.49.
The New York average is $3.44. In Buffalo, the average is $3.38, in Rochester it is $3.43, and in Syracuse it is $3.44.

With the cost of travel on the rise, AAA has tips for travelers looking for the best price:

• Work with a trusted travel agent. They have many resources at their fingertips to help plan and organize a trip that fits your specific needs and budget with special offers and discounts.
• Research travel insurance for every trip you plan to protect your investment.
• Plan ahead as much as possible, be flexible and book early. Having flexible dates will help you find the best rate.

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android — a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance, map a route, find discounts, or book a hotel.