A potential inflation and a lingering pandemic will not stop most American travelers from visiting popular destinations during the summer, according to a new survey by ValuePenguin.
After two years of decline, summer travel in the United States is finally heating up. A survey carried out by ValuePenguin, a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and provides advice to help guide consumers to the best financial decisions, reveals Americans’ summer travel plans.
Key findings
- More Americans plan to travel during the summer. 73% of Americans are planning to travel during the summer and to spend around $2,700 per trip (up $300 from last year).
- More than half respondents who are not traveling cannot afford a vacation. 57% of those Americans who are not planning to travel this summer say that they cannot afford a vacation this year. This number is up 43% compared to summer 2021.
- People still fear Covid-19. 35% of those not traveling say that they opted out of summer trips due to Covid-19 concerns.
- Most people are planning to drive. Summer road trips remain popular, with 79% of people planning to drive to/from their destination. The research also found out that confidence in flying has increased from last year, with 45% of travelers planning to use the airplane this summer.
- People will work remotely to avoid using vacation days. 1 out of 4 travelers say they will work remotely during their vacation. Moreover, 24% of workers won’t use any paid time off this summer.
- Fewer travelers will take on debt to fund their vacation. The percentage went down to 29% for 2022 from 47% in 2021. The percentage was even lower for older generations (22% of Gen Xers and 21% of baby boomers).
- Hotels and resorts are the most popular accommodations. 65% of respondents say they will stay in a hotel or resort; 36% will stay with family, and 22% will opt for vacation rentals.
- More than half of travelers are returning to a favorite destination. 55% of respondents declare that they are returning to a favorite vacation destination. Conversely, 27% of consumers say that they have booked their vacation based on recommendations from family and friends, while 27% of Gen Zers say they take inspiration for their travel cues from social media influencers and travel bloggers. Additionally, visiting friends and loved ones was the main trip motivation in 31% of cases.
- Still low numbers for international travel. Only 20% of respondents say that they plan to take an international trip.
