5 On Your Side: Traveling for spring break? Don't fly these dates

Does the recent warm weather have you dreaming of vacation? You're not alone.

The Transportation Security Administration predicts spring break travel in 2023 could outpace pre-pandemic levels.

Marlise Taylor, Director of Research at Visit NC, said while visitor volume isn't completely fleshed out yet, projections suggested various types of lodging were up last year compared to 2021, and could increase this year as well.

For the first time in three years, travelers don’t have to worry about the COVID-19 pandemic as much. Data shows flight searches for March and April are up 40% compared to the same timeframe last year.

Things are so busy that a Triangle-based travel agent told WRAL's 5 On Your Side business, which usually "comes in waves," is currently a tsunami.

"We're very busy with inquiries of people trying to book last minute spring break travel for this year," said Mike Owens of Maupin Travel. "It's definitely a challenge."

Owen's said he had one person trying to book a trip to the Bahamas, but they could only find first-class tickets.

If you want to save money on air travel, travelers can save an average of 20% round trip if they plan on leaving on a Tuesday rather than a Saturday. According to experts, people can find the lowest airfare by departing before March 9 or after April 16.

If you haven't made plans yet, Owens recommends going somewhere that is within driving distance, like the Carolina coast,

If you need a hotel, book early, or look for a rental property to rent for your vacation.

The most expensive travel days are March 10 and 11 followed by March 25 and April 1. Avoid those if you can.

The TSA is adding security measures and sharing travel tips to meet the increased demand.

According to the TSA, the spring break travel season begins around Feb. 17 and continues through April 21.