Two-thirds of Americans are planning to travel by the end of the year, according to a recent survey by Grand Welcome, a short-term vacation rental management franchise concept. In addition, a similar number (over 65 percent) of consumers plan on driving to their destinations amid rising gas prices and inflation.
Interestingly, the survey also found Americans are now opting to reserve stays on their own: Nearly 40 percent are booking stays and flights directly with hotels, resorts and airlines. In addition, 63 percent of travelers are spending anywhere between $100 and $200 for lodging per night and staying the same duration of time as they did back in 2021.
Additional highlights from the survey include:
Beyond the 67 percent who are planning to travel, another 18 percent are undecided. Fourteen percent said they were not planning to travel. Looking back, nearly 43 percent of travelers last vacation took place within the last three months. One-fifth (21 percent) vacationed four to six months ago, 12 percent vacationed nine to 12 months ago, and 23 percent vacationed over a year ago.
Nearly 42 percent of travelers are traveling for the purpose to visit family and friends. Another third (35 percent) are traveling for relaxation, while 15 percent are traveling for sightseeing and 7 percent are traveling for activities (skiing, snowboarding, etc.).
Regarding accommodations, six in 10 Americans (nearly 60 percent) will stay in a hotel/resort when traveling this holiday season. About one-fifth (18 percent) will stay in a private vacation rental (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), while another 20 percent will stay with family and friends. Only 2 percent said they will stay at their own vacation home.
COVID’s effect on travel appears to be diminishing, as well. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said that COVID-19 is impacting their travel plans slightly less this year compared to 2021, while another 31 percent said COVID will impact travel plans much less this year.
Methodology: Grand Welcome issued its holiday travel survey via Survey Monkey from August 31 to September 2, 2022 and surveyed more than 1,500 people across the U.S
Source: Grand Welcome
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