(WSYM) — More than 62 percent of Michigan residents are uncomfortable traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a AAA travel survey conducted in January.
AAA says the main concerns are fears of getting sick, new strains of the virus and the number of COVID-19 cases.
Two-thirds of Michiganders canceled or rescheduled travel plans in 2020, according to the survey. Currently, almost half of Michigan residents are comfortable staying in a hotel or resort, while only 27 percent feel comfortable taking a commercial flight. The majority feel most comfortable traveling in their personal vehicle.
However, AAA says there appears to be growing confidence among some travelers. About 1 in 5 Michigan residents say they are more comfortable traveling now than when the pandemic began – 12 percentage points more than the last survey in October. Their growing confidence was attributed to:
- The implementation of mask use and cleaning policies
- More knowledge about how the virus spreads
- Quarantine fatigue or wanting to get out of the house
- Having received the COVID-19 vaccination
This year, over half of Michigan residents plan to take at least one vacation of 3 days or more. Over one-third of respondents plan to take multiple trips – up 9 percentage points from 2020.
However, about 2 in 5 residents say they will feel more comfortable traveling after receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and when cases begin to decrease.
“The COVID-19 vaccine truly is the key to restoring Americans’ confidence in traveling again,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With health experts predicting widespread vaccinations by the summer, AAA Travel Advisors are seeing growing interest in bookings for the second half of the year.”
