More than half of Americans are planning at least one trip this spring, according to a joint survey between Vacasa and Allison + Partners. Spring vacation-seekers, the report says, are chasing new experiences and destinations within the U.S., although quality time with family and friends remains a priority. Parents, however, are favoring the value and privacy—not to mention the full kitchens—of vacation rentals for their trip accommodations.
In all, 56 percent of Americans are planning a spring vacation with 37 percent planning one specifically during spring break—an increase from the 29 percent who did so in 2021. It seems COVID is still influencing travel plans, as just over half (52 percent) named “crowds” as the top reason they aren’t traveling, with price surges (46 percent) and the next most common response.
In addition, 50 percent of Americans said they would change their plans if there is a COVID-19 spike in the area they are planning to visit—which is down from 67 percent who said the same last spring. But it varies by generation: Gen Z is most likely to change plans (68 percent), compared to 38 percent of Baby Boomers. Further, a quarter of non-travelers aren’t willing to risk getting stuck somewhere due to COVID-19 restrictions and/or quarantine requirements, while 35 percent stated they don’t feel safe traveling due to COVID-19—but that’s down from 56 percent last spring.
Three-quarters of spring vacationers will be staying domestic, while a quarter (23 percent) are planning a “staycation.” Just 18 percent of those surveyed are heading international. That said, four in 10 of all respondents (43 percent) said they would be visiting a new destination this spring, rather than return to a previous vacation spot. Nearly one-third of all travelers are booking vacation rentals for their spring travels (30 percent), because of value for money (65 percent), access to a full kitchen (56 percent) and/or privacy (49 percent).
The survey also found that more travelers are favoring multiple small trips throughout the year (34 percent) or spontaneous getaways (16 compared), compared to the 19 percent who plan to take one big vacation in 2022. To that effect, 75 percent of Americans who are planning spring travel say they also plan to travel more frequently in 2022 than they did in 2021.
Source: Vacasa
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