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SALT LAKE CITY — Spring break is just around the corner and it appears Americans may be antsier than ever to travel.
AAA organization reports that there's a "significant increase" in demand for flights and cruises ahead of the spring break rush, with heavy travel to warmer states like Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada. But there's also a 20% year-to-year rise in international travel, including a rise in European travel, on top of the more traditional spring break travel to countries like Mexico.
The organization also reports a 28% jump in March and April cruises, and cruises departing from southern Florida are up 60% from last year.
"We're expecting to see a dynamic blend of travelers, from people who meticulously planned ahead to those seizing a spontaneous adventure," said Julian Paredes, spokesman for AAA Utah.
Spring break begins as early as next week at some Utah college campuses before it reaches Utah's K-12 schools in late March and early April. AAA says people planning to travel should plan ahead for their trip, which may include preparing their vehicle to be ready for any extended road trip.
The travel forecast seems to continue the major leaps travel took just in Utah last year. For instance, Salt Lake City International Airport surpassed pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and set a new record with 26.96 million passengers in 2023. Provo Airport also set a record, as its passenger loads exceeded 1 million about a decade earlier than initially anticipated.
Meanwhile, it may come just before gas prices rise again this summer. AAA reported last week that the national average remained steady after a sudden surge possibly tied to issues at a major Indiana refinery that have since been resolved. Andrew Gross, the organization's national spokesman, said "seasonal rise in gas prices is primed to begin" as warmer weather nears.
Gas prices tend to be the highest in summer for various reasons, such as demand and the cost to produce the gasoline blend.
Utah's average price remains below the national average, but it has started to rise in recent weeks as spring and summer slowly approach. A gallon of regular gas costs about $3.04 in Utah, about 22 cents below the national average, according to AAA. Utah's average price was $2.95 last week and $2.65 last month.
