On a Whim: AAA Arizona Reveals Last-Minute Travel Trends

As travelers begin to hit the roads again, many are making travel plans on a whim.

According to AAA.com hotel booking data, domestic travel bookings show September was the strongest month of the year, but still down 12% compared to 2019. AAA Arizona travel data also reveals:

• 49% of hotel bookings are within three days of travel, up from 31% in 2019.
• 65% of hotel bookings are within seven days of departure, up from 45% in 2019.

“Travel destinations around the world have made enhancements to their operations with safety in mind,” Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson for AAA Arizona, said. “Would-be travelers should work with a travel professional who can help them research their destination to help determine their level of comfort before booking.”

Shorter, closer trips to home appear to be the new trend as travelers determine for themselves what they are comfortable doing when venturing from home.

These are the top hotel destinations according to data from AAA Arizona through September.

1. Las Vegas, NV                 6. San Francisco, CA
2. San Diego, CA                 7. Los Angeles, CA
3. Reno, NV                         8. Phoenix, AZ
4. Flagstaff, AZ                    9. Monterey, CA
5. Sacramento, CA              10. Salt Lake City, UT

*This list includes data from a seven state region including Northern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.

AAA’s TripTik travel tool provides COVID-19 travel restrictions, including roadway checkpoints, border closures and confirmed cases at the state and county level. Travelers looking for hotel destinations can visit AAA.com/Hotels to search for lodgings with AAA’s Best of Housekeeping and Diamond designations.

AAA has a proud history of serving Members for over 100 years. AAA is on a mission to create Members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 4,000 employees representing more than 6 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto and life insurance, travel, and home security services. According to Via Magazine’s Smart Guide, being a AAA Member can save you more than $1,200 a year.

Photo: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley – Scottsdale