Mystic eyes summer boost as higher costs keep travelers closer to home

Rising gas prices and airfare could push more people to rethink summer travel, with some opting for closer, more affordable destinations.

That shift could benefit places like Mystic, where local leaders and business owners hope to see an uptick in visitors.

As Mystic prepares for peak season, visitors are already arriving.

Mary and Rich Kurka, visiting from Chicago, are exploring the shoreline destination — especially its seafood offerings.

“The food and yes, the lobster rolls. Yeah, the lobster rolls,” the Kuskas said.

Business leaders say the region is ready for a rebound after a slow winter.

“It was a rough winter both weather-wise and with the snowstorm that we had. But also not as much foot traffic and people weren’t shopping as much, and so I think everybody is really looking forward to Mystic coming to life again,” said Megan Yardis, from the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.

Higher travel costs, driven in part by global tensions, could reshape vacation plans this year, bringing more regional visitors.

“We’re definitely anticipating a bit of an uptick in visitors in the spring and summer and even in the fall and winter time,” Yardis said.

A new survey from financial company Current found about four in 10 Americans do not plan to travel this summer. Among those who do, many are choosing shorter trips closer to home.

Mystic’s central location in the Northeast could work in its favor, according to short-term rental host Annie Soeder.

“I’ve seen mostly travelers from the New England area, some in Connecticut also,” Soeder said. “Mystic is just an hour and a half to Boston, two hours to New York, six hours to D.C., eight hours to Canada.”

Despite concerns about costs, travel demand remains strong. AAA is predicting a record number of people will hit the road for Memorial Day weekend.

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