Traveling for the holidays? Make your plans now, AAA says

As COVID-19 rates decline, a record number of people are expected to travel for the upcoming holiday season.

AAA suggests, with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, more people are becoming comfortable with the idea of traveling this holiday season. The auto club is expecting Thanksgiving travel numbers to hit an all-time high, saying that flights, hotels and rental car bookings are filling up quickly.

If you're planning to travel over the holiday season, act now, or you might be forced to stay home again, AAA said.

"The reason why you need to book now, is, as we get closer to the holidays, you are going to see rates go up," said AAA spokesperson Tiffany Wright. "Rates are going to go up and availability is going to go down. So if you’re looking to get that hotel, that rental car, if you wait to the last minute they just might not be that many options available to you."

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Raleigh-Durham International Airport is also reporting an uptick in passenger traffic. In response, the drive-up parking rate will increase by $1 per day beginning Nov. 1.