Many preparing for summer getaways

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Whether it's to an island in the Caribbean, or to a beach in Florida, many people are gearing up for summer vacations.

Wednesday night hundreds of people got a head start on planning their vacations at the ninth annual AAA Travel Showcase.

Many people told 22News with the help of their tax refunds, they will travel with their family this summer.

And some people are already looking for ways to escape the cold next winter.

 “I figured because winter, you know, there's not much to do around here. So I'd rather just go in the winter somewhere tropical where they can actually enjoy,” Zoraida Aguayo of Springfield told 22News.

Travel experts say with research, anyone can travel on a budget to their dream destination.