With Spring Break upon us, it may be surprising that in light of recent events, the traveling season is so far expected to be normal.
Travel expert Catherine Banks says she’s seeing about as many people as usual who’ve long ago made reservations for their destinations, and just as in previous years beaches are the top spots.
Despite recent drug cartel-related violence in Mexico, the beaches there are still the biggest travel ticket-sellers, with the number one destination Cancun, followed by Costa Rica.
Ms. Banks says the top priority for travel during Spring Break is planning.
“During this very busy time of the year for travel, especially at airports, the smart money is always going to plan ahead,” and that includes getting to the airport at the appropriate time to match the time of day.
Saturdays will be busy and that’s a good time to get to the airports long before the usual one-hour arrival before departure, especially because of possible problems with the Transportation Safety Administration.
She hasn’t heard about absurdly long times spent in security lines lately despite the federal government shutdown, but if the shutdown doesn’t end soon and TSA workers tire of showing up for work without being paid, the security lines at many airports could lengthen.
“Spring Break weeks there are certainly more people traveling that usual so we certainly may hear some kickback about [long lines] in the future.”
She says she hasn’t heard much about long delays lately, but “if you’re planning to travel during this very busy time, your best bet is to plan way ahead of time.”
Pro tip? Yes, she says most people don’t think about it, but there are few people traveling to Europe this time of year because it’s “shoulder season,” the travelers’ term for that period between the off season and peak travel times, so prices to Europe are good and crowds are fewer.