ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The number of Covid-19 cases has surged more than 50% in late April to early May and all but one state is seeing an increase in infections.
Covid-19 transmission levels are expected to create another uptick this summer as more travelers hit the roads, rails, and airways.
People are eager to get back to making summer plans which is the main reason for travel bookings climbing dramatically at the beginning of the year.
Even with mask restrictions lifted, AAA and local travel agents recommend doing some extra preparation before packing your bags.
Roanoke Uber Driver, Ebdulfadah Diljo makes frequent stops at the Roanoke-Blacksburg airport.
“Most people wear their masks but some say that for breathing it’s no good,” he said.
He says he’ll be picking up and dropping off all summer as plenty of travelers board their flights.
Before passengers hop on board, AAA Mid-Atlantic Spokesperson Morgan Dean highly recommends doing research on the covid-19 restrictions in the place you’re traveling to, especially if it’s outside of the country.
“The more information a traveler knows before they ever leave, the better off they are,” said Dean.
Although some restrictions are lifted, there’s still a lot of uncertainty out there. Dean says travelers insurance is the way to go when it comes to booking your trip.
“If there’s something that disrupts that, be another climb in cases or something else out of your control, that could be a way for you to get back some of the money for that trip,” he said.
It can be a lot to keep up with planning your actual vacation. He says that’s what travel agents are for.
A travel agent for Disney & Universal Destinations, Carrie Overstreet said, ” we have seen more people are starting to use travel agents because they know, especially things like cruises, there are so many covid restrictions still on cruise lines that they’re very afraid of what happens if I get to the port and I do test positive.”
She’s seen an increase in people booking flights out of Roanoke for this summer and even for the summer of 2023.
She says many families have less concerns about Covid-19, but it’s her job to inform them of any changes.
“A lot of people don’t realize that we’re here and we’re free to use, that our services are complimentary. So that’s one thing that I would definitely want everyone to know,” said Overstreet.
Overstreet says the main reason she’s seen Virginians canceling trips now Is high gas prices.
