SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Summer is right around the corner and amid soaring fuel prices and increased demand for travel, we wanted to know how you can get the most out of your fun in the sun. .

“If you’ve taken a flight recently, you’ve probably seen that they’re pretty full. People are more comfortable traveling and…people want to get out,” travel expert Sarah Dandashy said.

With travel restrictions lifting and the anticipation of summer 2022, what are the latest travel trends and how can you get your money’s worth? We asked Dandashy our questions to find out.

“We’re still seeing pent-up demand for travel definitely outweigh price increases,” Dandashy added.

Dandashy told Western Mass News that while rising fuel prices may not have a big impact on travel plans, it may affect where people vacation and how often they go.

“We’re seeing a big trend toward staycations or road trips, especially within three to six hours…You can never ignore Boston, always a great scene and not too far away,” Dandashy explained.

As people choose to travel less, she said getting off the beaten track, away from beaches and other seasonal hotspots, can help minimize travel times and maximize enjoyment.

“It won’t be as expensive and there won’t be as many people. When it comes to booking flights and even hitting the road, just be a little creative if you can, if your schedule allows,” Dandashy noted.

Dandashy added that you should always book direct to have the best access to cancellation policies.

“Also, definitely don’t sleep on loyalty rewards programs. Enjoy it. You could earn or redeem points for future trips,” Dandashy said.

Traveling in large numbers is all the rage, which can also help you save on hotels and Airbnb rates.

“People are traveling more in groups, whether it’s families and multi-generational trips or, as you just mentioned, with a group of friends,” Dandashy said.

So with the increase in day trips and vacations, what are some ways to enjoy a day off in Western Massachusetts? Look no further than the MGM Springfield, which is Western Massachusetts’ only AAA Four Diamond hotel.

“Maybe the kids go to grandma and grandpa and you come and enjoy the hotel, which is beautiful, or bring the family. We have the only heated rooftop pool and hot tub in the area,” MGM Springfield said.

A Topgolf suite and bowling alley are now open for group bookings and the highly anticipated Free Music Friday series will return bigger and better from June.

“It’s a really great opportunity for these local artists like Trailer Trash, which is a huge, huge attraction…We’ve also created a food truck village, of sorts,” added Ward.

Just up the street, there’s always fun for the whole family at the Springfield Museums.

“Whether you come for a few hours a day or you come to travel and spend the day here, there will be something new every time you come,” said Jenny Powers, director of the Springfield Science Museum.

Admission is free for all Springfield residents, which includes access to the fifth anniversary of the opening of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss.

“Every Wednesday is a Seussian-themed day with plenty of other activities, whether it’s art, history or science every day of the week,” Powers added.

Plus, what better way to spend a summer night than to catch a Westfield Starfires game at Billy Bullens Field? The baseball team features a roster of college stars.

“They live with foster families here in Western Massachusetts. They are great kids…and we really plan on bringing them into the community throughout the spring and summer,” said Chris Thompson, owner and co-founder of Westfield Starfires.

Their 32-game home schedule is packed with promotions including fireworks, a cornhole and a craft beer festival, in addition to day camps for aspiring sluggers.

“We have opportunities for Little League teams and birthday parties to come out and high-five our players in the dugout and be featured at the starting lineups,” added Thompson.

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