The auto club says more people asking about services for international travelers.
Baltimore, Md. (KM) – There’s appears to be a strong interest in international travel. AAA Mid-Atlantic says it’s seen a spike in the number of people coming into its offices around Maryland, asking for passport photos and international driver’s licenses. “We have seen a 65% increase in the number of travelers visiting our AAA stores for passport photos compared to last year,” says Ragina Ali, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “We also provide international driving permits. We’ve seen an increased demand in that service up more than 186% compared to last year.”
AAA says a recent travel poll found that 20% of Marylanders say they are planning at least one international trip this summer, and this was before the US lifted the requirement for a negative COVID test before returning to the United States.;
Ali says there’s also been an increase in the number of travelers asking for foreign currencies. “Basically the strong US Dollar right now to the Euro exchange rate is the best it’s been in 20-years which is also seeming to be a factor and why we are seeing this increase in international travel,” she says.
AAA recommends anyone planning to travel to another country obtain their passport photos, international driver’s permits and foreign currencies well before they leave on their trip. “And we’re really encouraging anyone making plans for any international travel where they want to have foreign currency to make that request of that at least several weeks in advance of their departure date because demand has been so high and we want to make sure we’ll be able to fulfill that request,” says Ali.
The auto club also reminds people planning to travel to another country to purchase travel insurance, and RFID wallets and bags. “RFID actually stands for Radio Frequency Identification and actually protects your credit card data from being digitally stolen,” says Ali. “Many electronic thieves are very clever. They have a device that can scan your credit card information. We recommend those especially when you’re traveling abroad.”
AAA also recommends you work with a travel adviser who can work with you to help explore your options when it comes to international travel, flights, cruises and tours; and book the best deals and navigate any possible disruptions.
By Kevin McManus
