AAA Reveals Top Summer Vacation Destinations

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 11, 2019) – Two-thirds of leisure travelers are planning vacations this summer, according to a recent AAA travel survey.

Whether traveling internationally or close to home, AAA encourages travelers to plan ahead to save time and money on their summer getaway.

Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations:

The top summer travel destinations, based on AAA Travel bookings for trips June 1 through Aug. 15, 2019, include:

1. Orlando, Fla. (1)

2. London, England (5)

3. Rome, Italy (2)

4. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (3)

5. Dublin, Ireland (4)

6. Paris, France (7)

7. Seattle, Wash. (9)

8. Anchorage, Alaska (8)

9. Honolulu, Hawaii (6)

10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (12)

*Number in parentheses indicates summer 2018 ranking.

Ohioans will also travel domestically to Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Nashville, Tenn.; San Francisco, Calif.; Denver Colo.; Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Chicago, Ill.; New York, N.Y.; Washington, D.C., and close-to-home destinations in Ohio.
The top international destinations for Ohio travelers include Italy, Ireland, Germany, and destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico.

Summer Travel Trends:

.Orlando, Florida, once again claims the top spot as the most-visited summer travel destination in America. The city’s world-famous theme parks are a top draw for families, as Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World prepare to unveil new attractions this summer.

.Europe is a bucket list destination for many Americans, and this summer is no exception. London has grown in popularity compared with last year, while Rome, Dublin and Paris continue to be hot spots for summer travel.

.Alaskan cruises are a top vacation choice for summer travelers this year, with Vancouver, Seattle and Anchorage topping the list of embarkation ports for these sailings. In general, travel to Alaska has increased 26 percent since 2010.

.After a harsh winter, many travelers will flock to warm-weather destinations, particularly those in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has once again cracked the top 10 after briefly dropping off of last year’s list.
Get Road Trip Ready:

Road trips remain a top choice for summer travel. This summer, AAA expects to respond to nearly 8 million calls for roadside assistance, including more than 300,000 in Ohio. More than half of the calls will require a tow. Roadside technicians will work to get the rest back on the go with battery jumps and replacements, fuel delivery, temporary tire repair and lockout service.

Automotive experts recommend these car care tips to prepare your vehicle for a summer road trip:

.Tires: Last summer, AAA responded to nearly 38,000 calls for flat tires in Ohio. To help prevent a flat, check tire pressure and tread depth before hitting the road.

.Battery: More than 52,000 Ohio drivers called AAA with battery trouble. Vehicle batteries last an average of 3-5 years, and can fail without warning. Summer heat drains batteries and accelerates corrosion. Checking batteries at least twice a year can help motorists avoid becoming stranded with a dead battery.

.Prevent Lockouts: Nearly 34,000 Ohio drivers locked themselves out of their cars last summer. To prevent lockouts, always take keys when exiting the car and bring a spare key on every trip. Avoid exposing keyless-entry remotes or smart keys to water and replace the key or fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

.Pack an Emergency Kit: Just in case, pack every vehicle with a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kid, a basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, windshield washer solution, jumper cables, reflectors, drinking water, extra snacks and food for travelers and pets.