Spring break is back

As COVID-19 cases drop, mask protocols ease and more Americans venture out to beaches, theme parks and other destinations, travel is bouncing back to levels not seen since the pandemic took hold. The bad news: Airfares and gas prices are also reaching highs not seen in years. Nearly 40% of Americans are planning to travel during spring break, up from 29% last year, according to a survey by Vacasa. Vrbo has reported a nearly 50% increase in demand for vacation homes this spring, compared with spring of 2021. The average round-trip domestic airline ticket for March 7-21 is selling for $290, compared with $240 for the same period last year, according to Hopper. Travelers who book at the last minute will face an average round-trip ticket price of $365.

Los Angeles Times

MSP to Montreal, Reno

A Canadian carrier will fill a Francophone hole for Minneapolis-St. Paul fliers with new nonstop service to Montreal. Air Canada will launch the daily route from MSP to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on June 2 aboard 76-seat CRJ-900 jets. A Google Flights search last week showed summer fares from $369. Air Canada already links MSP and Toronto, while Delta Air Lines flies to Toronto and fellow Canadian cities Winnipeg and Calgary, plus Vancouver starting May 5. Canada currently allows fully vaccinated foreigners to enter with a negative PCR or rapid test. Meanwhile, Sun Country Airlines announced new weekly service to Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, starting Sept. 1.

Simon Peter Groebner

Hawaii drops restrictions

Hawaii plans to lift its COVID-19 quarantine requirement for travelers this month, meaning that starting on March 26 those arriving from other places in the U.S. won't have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to avoid sequestering themselves for five days. Hawaii is the only U.S. state to implement a coronavirus quarantine program of this kind. Gov. David Ige said the requirement saved lives and was a major factor in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii has one of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the nation.

Associated Press

Sunny South Padre

Texas has a tropical island. Surprising? South Padre Island is a 113-mile-long barrier island that runs along the Texas coast. With 34 miles of pearly white-sand beaches and aquamarine Gulf of Mexico waters, South Padre is considered one of the world's most beautiful barrier islands. It sports more than 300 days of sunshine, and offers a myriad of things to do for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. It's no wonder so many Texans and visitors from the northern states flock to this fun and fascinating island during the winter months.

TravelPulse

Pick your own room

Most large hotel chains have long had free apps with features like booking and live chat, but many recently got big-time improvements. Last summer, Hilton launched a feature that lets you book and instantly confirm connecting rooms on its app and website, which has proven especially helpful for groups. Its app also can display a map of the hotel and allow you to select your exact room of choice, whether it's the peaceful room farthest from the elevator or the one nearby for easy access.

NerdWallet