Travel increases during spring break as popular destinations have safety concerns

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The first day of break for Mid-Missouri schools fell on Saturday for the University of Missouri, Columbia Public Schools and Jefferson City Schools.

Often, the month of March proves to be one of the busiest for travel. And with 2023 travel numbers up, this year is no different according to the TSA’s website. A survey from AAA finds beach vacations to be the most popular, with destinations like Florida and Hawaii on top. 

For some, like University of Missouri sophomore Julia Frankel, the time off means an opportunity to visit home. Frankel's Saturday was spent driving for about four hours.

"It was definitely the longest I've ever driven, at least by myself,” she said. "I was either listening to music or I was calling like multiple family members and friends to keep me awake and keep me going."

Cities in Florida remained a popular destination among her classmates this year Frankel added.

But with bigger crowds, areas like Miami Beach are tightening up on emergency measures and increasing police presence. Officials said the precautions are meant to avoid any extra violence and chaos from partiers. The city also declared a state of emergency after large crowds and two fatal shootings last Sunday.

While beach destinations aren’t the only places spring breakers are visiting, traveling anywhere is more expensive this year. Since 2022, the Consumer Price Index for airline tickets shot up by 25%. Hotel costs followed, rising 20 to 30% too.

For those on a budget, AAA offered some tips to save travel money. First, try visiting local or close-to-home destinations. Book tickets as early as possible and aim for mid-week flights. And finally, consider visiting a state that has a different spring break schedule for fewer crowds.

Students will return to classes on Monday, April 3.

"It’s good timing," Frankel said. "It's just a nice relaxing break between school and then going back to finish the year.”