CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the demand for travel is back.
But with the travel demand back, people can expect different aspects of summer vacation to cost more due to the high levels of inflation.
"I don't there there is anything that is no up," traveler Giovanni Antonuccio told WCNC Charlotte.
Inflation is driving prices up, from airfares, gas, food and hotel costs.
"I was thinking about going to the Caribbean's or something, but (now) probably going to stay local," Antonuccio said. "But then, you think if I have to drive somewhere, it will probably cost me just as much as an airline ticket."
According to Hopper, an online travel agency, domestic flights are up 40% since January. Some travelers said they saved money by booking early.
"If you wait until the last minute, the prices will go sky high," Gerald Hampton of south Charlotte said. "If you want a cheaper flight, you should do it months in advance because of costs."
While others are cutting cost by hitting the road, Tiffany Wright with AAA said even though gas prices are at record levels, there are ways to save.
"If you're able to lessen that load in your vehicle, if you're able to combine multiple errands, plan your route accordingly," she said. "If you're going to be traveling in between states, you know, gas apps are very helpful."
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Wright said higher prices are no match to all of the pent-up demand for travel coming from the pandemic and some families are moving forward with some adjustments to their vacation plans.
"It is just something I have to keep monitoring and do the best I can," Antonuccio said.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.