More people taking last-minute trips

AAA says last-minute travel is on the rise this year, thanks to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The top international destinations for Susquehanna Valley residents are the Caribbean, Italy and London, according to AAA.As for spots in the U.S., national parks, cruises down the Mississippi River and trips to Miami are the most popular.Travel agent Becky Drawbaugh said cruises are also popular, despite coronavirus testing and vaccination requirements.She said travel insurance is a must. Be sure to continue packing your face mask, no matter where you’re heading.”Throw them in just for now,” she said.Some destinations aren’t as popular this year, and one of them is Disney.”I think anything with a huge, huge crowd, any theme park, they seem to be steering clear of,” Drawbaugh said.You can likely get some good deals on hotels right now, but Drawbaugh said airlines are still busy. Fewer flights can mean longer lines, but air travel might still be your best bet. “It’s still sometimes cheaper than driving your own car somewhere or taking the train. A lot of people have the misconception train’s going to be inexpensive and it’s not always. And it takes a long time to get there by train,” Drawbaugh said.AAA said places closer to home – like Baltimore and Philadelphia – are also popular.