Now that travel restrictions have started to ease up and multiple states have lifted mask mandates, you may be daydreaming about booking a vacation. With the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, in sight, now is a great time to start planning your next getaway.
“Travel Genius” podcast host Mark Ellwood shared some great tips on when to book, where to go and how to make the most of summer on Weekend TODAY.
If you’re just starting to think about summer travel plans, Ellwood said there are three key things to consider.
1. Be flexible
“Things are in flux: the airline schedules, you might need to change plans. So when you book, read the small print, and make sure you can change or cancel without penalty,” Ellwood told Weekend TODAY co-anchors Kristen Welker and Peter Alexander.
2. Book ASAP
“Don’t leave it. You need to book now,” Ellwood recommended, adding that demand is high right now. “Americans saved 2 1/4 trillion dollars and loads of vacation days during the pandemic. Everyone needs a vacation so those bookings are ramping up.”
3. Plan ahead
“People are also booking much closer to travel because they know things are in flux so you’re going to see fewer last-minute deals,” Ellwood said. “Plan ahead but be flexible, bit of both.”
Think local
For those not ready to board an airplane or go too far from home, there are still plenty of road trip options.
“Most people live within a drive of an amazing national park,” suggested Ellwood. “You can go hiking. There’s terrific…
