According to data collected by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), quick weekend getaways are increasingly appealing to Americans, with 225 million such trips taken last year, an increase of more than 10 percent in five years. The shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October have become prime weekend getaway times (32 percent), about equal to the summer months (31 percent). "Weekend travelers spend more money, have higher incomes and participate in a greater number of activities," said Dr. Suzanne Cook, Senior Vice President of Research for TIA. "Travel packages specifically tailored to this market combine the memorable activities the short-stay traveler is looking for, such as entertainment, dining and sightseeing tours—all doable over a two- or three-day getaway." The full release, including a chart of weekend travel volume, can be found at [www.tia.org/pressmedia/pressrec.asp?Item=738].
