Stats: Travelers Embarking on "Carpe-Cations" for Summer 2023

Global travel insurance marketplace VisitorsCoverage’s summer survey has found that 81 percent of respondents are going on “carpe-cations” this summer. The new phrase has been coined due to an influx of travelers going into the season with a “seize the day” attitude. With the excitement of travel going around, VisitorsCoverage also found that 78 percent of travelers are more inclined to buy travel insurance compared to last year. The survey results included the opinions of a random sample of over 1,000 frequent travelers across the U.S.

Highlights include:

  • 88 percent of travelers are more inclined to travel this summer when compared to the summer of 2022
  • 84 percent of survey participants shared they will use AI (artificial intelligence) in the future to plan their ideal trip
  • 78 percent of travelers are more inclined to buy travel insurance compared to last year
  • 60 percent of travelers found travel inspiration on Instagram while 58 percent used Facebook and 52 percent utilized TikTok
  • 52 percent of respondents will be traveling within the U.S. while 38 percent will visit Europe

With the influx of AI (artificial intelligence) systems changing the way society functions, many are opting to use this technology to alleviate the stress of travel planning. Eighty-four percent of survey respondents shared they will use AI in the future to plan the perfect vacation. 

As for inspiration, respondents looked to several sources, but social media took the lead, followed by television series. Shows like "Game of Thrones," "The Bachelor" and Netflix’s "World’s Most Extraordinary Homes" were listed as the frontrunners for inspiring travel. "Emily in Paris" and "The White Lotus," among others, are also looked towards when deciding travel, according to the set-jet crowd.

The Economy and Travel Plans

With 37 percent of travelers having three or more trips planned and 76 percent saying the economy will not affect their vacation fun, travelers are not letting anything hold them back this summer.

When asked what the average cost of a vacation is, 21 percent of survey respondents said they typically spend between $3,000 and  $7,000. An equal 21 percent shared their vacation budget is $7,000 to $10,000, while nearly the same (20 percent) said $10,000 to $15,000. The remainder of participants said: $1,000 to $3,000 (18 percent), over $15,000 (12 percent), and less than $1,000 (8 percent).

While many are not letting the economy determine whether they go on vacation or not, the leading reason participants are more likely to buy travel insurance is because of inflation/economy (36 percent). Survey results show 31 percent of participants' travel plans were affected “some” due to the economy while 29 percent said their plans had changed “very little”, 24 percent shared it “changed their plans entirely” and 15 percent responded “not at all.”

The survey results revealed an increased public awareness of these benefits as 78 percent of travelers are more inclined to buy travel insurance compared to last year, 70 percent will be purchasing trip insurance and 27 percent will be purchasing travel medical insurance.

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