Adventure is a major draw for travelers, but it was followed closely by its opposite — rest and relaxation — in a recent study of traveler behavior by OTA Cheapflights.com.
In a survey of over 1,000 U.S. travelers, 27 percent reported that “adventure and exploration” was their biggest travel driver, followed closely by "rest and relaxation" (25 percent). Other top choices were "new experiences" (16 percent) and "time away with family and friends" (15 percent).
The “bucket list” also remained a popular idea among travelers, with 64 percent of those surveyed reporting that they maintain such a list. For women, the number was higher, at 68 percent.
Other notable tidbits? Deals remain a big draw, with 73 percent of respondents saying that a good deal has triggered them to search for a flight. 30 percent reporting they have searched for flights after hearing about someone else's trip, and a TV show or movie with a cool setting has inspired 18 percent of Americans to research flights.
Other factors: A bonus or raise has sent 19 percent looking for flights, while 9 percent have searched for flights while still on vacation. 6 percent have searched for flights both when they've fallen in love and when they've had a bad day at the office.
Technology is allowing travelers to book from more and more unusual places, too. Places respondents have searched for flights include: while watching TV (72 percent), while eating lunch at their desks (38 percent), in the bathroom (20 percent), at a bar or restaurant (14 percent), on the way back from vacation (12 percent), commuting to and from work (9 percent), in a work meeting (8 percent) and in class (7 percent).
The findings are based on an online survey of 1,016 Americans conducted in a 48-hour period between February 4 and 6, 2017.