AAA trades massive in-person travel shows for a socially distant environment

DEARBORN, Mich., (April 12, 2021) — A sign of the times, AAA is forgoing its annual in-person travel shows this year, which normally attract thousands of people to area convention centers. Instead, The Auto Club Group will host these shows virtually, giving prospective travelers an opportunity to plan their next vacation in a socially distant environment.

“Travel is on the rebound right now, as bookings with AAA increased in March,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With vaccines becoming more widely available, people are feeling more confident about traveling again. However, because of the pandemic, some things are not yet open for travelers. This travel show will enable people to talk directly to the experts. They can ask questions, learn about emerging trends, and even book their next vacation all from the comfort of their own home.”

Virtual travel shows have really caught on. Since the pandemic began, attendance to AAA live virtual events has more than tripled, with an increase of more than 240 percent. The top three reasons Michigan residents cite for attending a virtual travel show are because it’s more convenient (20%), to avoid being in crowds (27%), and to avoid getting sick (25%) – according to a new AAA travel survey.

The AAA Virtual Travel and Adventure Show

• Wednesday, April 14, 2021
• 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Free – Available to AAA Members and Non-Members
• Click here to register
• AAA will announce future virtual travel shows at a later date

During the show, guests will have the ability to:

• Learn about top vacation destinations, including places you can visit NOW
• Work directly with expert AAA Travel Advisors who can provide advice and guidance to help you travel safer
• Access exclusive day-of-show special offers
• Hear from top industry experts like Emmy award-winning travel celebrity, Samantha Brown, host of PBS’s Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

Travel Trends

Nearly three-of-five (58%) Michigan residents plan to travel in 2021. AAA has noticed strong demand for vacations this summer, as many expect to be vaccinated by then. People are also capitalizing on great deals and incentives to book now for a trip in 2022.  

• Hottest destinations in 2021 – Dominican Republic, Iceland, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica
• Hottest trends for 2022 – Ocean cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean; river cruises in Europe 

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Michigan from March 12 - 18, 2021.  A total of 400 residents completed the survey.  Survey results asked of all respondents have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points.  Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Michigan.            

About AAA - The Auto Club Group
AAA in Michigan celebrated its 100th Anniversary - A Century of Service in 2016 and has over 1.5 million members across the state. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG).  Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.