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Dearborn, Michigan (January 11, 2018) – As the Mitten State takes a brief break from the wicked winter weather, all signs point to a busy year for vacationers and the travel industry. According to the attached AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey, 71% of Michiganders are planning to take a vacation in 2018 – with most planning trips to warm weather destinations in the U.S. and abroad.

“Strong economic growth led to a record number of holiday travelers last year and we expect that momentum to carry into 2018,” said Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President, Travel Sales Development, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Some of the harsh winter weather we have experienced could be the catalyst that drives more travelers to seek warm weather destinations in the coming months.

“Looking ahead at trends this year, travel to Europe looks strong, thanks to a favorable exchange rate for Americans. Also, domestic travel continues to grow. Destinations like Florida and California are always popular. Meanwhile, Hawaii and Alaska are experiencing more advanced bookings than what we normally see this time of year.”

Beaches top the list of travel destinations for Michiganders. 

The spring and summer months continue to be the top time periods for Michigan travelers.

Although January and February are usually slower months for travel, things begin to pick up in March for spring break. Nearly half (43%) of Michigan travelers plan to take a spring break vacation of 3 days or more. That number is even larger among Millennials (65%).

“Spring Break has a reputation of being a time for students to go party with friends,” Evans continued. “While that is certainly true, more than half of millennials (54%) say they will travel with family. This is the time of year when cruises and beach hotels are booked solid, and things can get costly as a result. So spring travelers should make their plans now, to get the best options and price.”

Traveling during the summer is even more popular than spring. The Great Lake State remains a popular summer travel destination for many. More than three-quarters (79%) of Michiganders will take at least one summer vacation (requiring overnight accommodations), sometime between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.

• 42% – 1 summer vacation
• 33% – 2-3 summer vacations
• 4% – 4-5 summer vacations
• 15% – unsure

• Book early – Booking early provides both the luxury of selecting the best cruise cabin or preferred flight seating at a more competitive rate.  As hotels, cruises, and flights fill-up, prices usually rise due to lower availability.
• Use a travel agent – The expert advice of a trusted travel advisor can provide personalized service, first-hand destination knowledge to create a memorable vacation experience, exclusive upgrades and access to competitive pricing.
• Consider travel insurance – When the unexpected happens, travel insurance can provide a good safety net. Weather conditions, flight cancellations and even illness while overseas can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. While travel insurance can vary in both coverage and price, policies are available that reimburse for health emergencies and/or out-of-pocket expenses due to a delayed/cancelled flight.
• Know your destination – Traveling abroad? Bringing a pet? Refer to the U.S. Department of State to find information regarding visa requirements, restrictions, guidelines, detailed travel alerts and warnings.
• Download the free AAA Mobile app – The app can be used to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request roadside assistance and more. For more information or to begin planning a trip, visit AAA.com/Travel.

Halloween can be one of the most deadly nights of the year for both pedestrians and motorists. With the increased number of pedestrians trick-or-treating and potentially impaired party goers behind the wheel, it makes for a scary combination.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that alcohol involvement—for the driver and/or the pedestrian—was reported in 48 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2015. They also reported that from 2011-2015, 45 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involved drunk driving on Halloween night.

As children take to the streets to trick-or-treat, their risk of being injured by motorists increases greatly.  On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to SafeKids Worldwide.

Halloween safety tips are listed below:

• Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.
• Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint. Also, watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
• Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.
• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it facedown in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
• Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
• Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
• Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
• Tell your parents where you are going.

• Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12.
• Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
• Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
• Establish a time for children to return home.
• Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.
• Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
• Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material.

• Drive sober.  Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths resulting in an average of one death every 45 minutes. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. Visit www.PreventDUI.AAA.com to learn more.
• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night.
• Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to trafficand cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
• Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
• Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.