American Express Survey Finds Increase in Summer Travel Plans
By Kate Rice
May 09, 2012 11:18 PM
May 09, 2012 11:18 PM
U.S.travelers are planning to take an average of 2.8 one-week trips
this summer, with 43 percent planning to travel over long weekends and
holidays, such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July. That’s up from 36
percent in 2011, according to the latest American ExpressSpending & Saving Tracker.
Eighty-four percent of travelers are planning on vacationing in U.S. cities this summer. Forty-four percent are headed south, 27 percent are headed west. Seventy-three percent plan to save money by driving or taking a train or bus. Only 39 percent intend to fly, about the same as last summer. However, 48 percent say that rising gas prices will affect their driving plans.
Summer may be family travel season because the kids are out of school, but 19 percent of families plan to send their children to an overnight camp during the summer months, and 65 percent plan on traveling without their children during the summer. Forty percent say they have a credit card rewards or frequent flier point’s card membership, with 58 percent saying that they successfully redeem points for such travel.
Although travelers want to get away, 83 percent say that they will stay connected while on vacation and 64 percent plan to check their work email daily over their vacations. Fewer travelers are also less concerned with the price they pay for Internet service while traveling (65 percent versus 72 percent in 2011).
In addition, they’re looking for more meaningful vacations. Forty-eight percent seek more meaningful experiences and say they will immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of their destination. The survey also indicated that this year’s travelers are more likely to go abroad and take advantage of holiday weekend getaways.
Eighty-four percent of travelers are planning on vacationing in U.S. cities this summer. Forty-four percent are headed south, 27 percent are headed west. Seventy-three percent plan to save money by driving or taking a train or bus. Only 39 percent intend to fly, about the same as last summer. However, 48 percent say that rising gas prices will affect their driving plans.
Summer may be family travel season because the kids are out of school, but 19 percent of families plan to send their children to an overnight camp during the summer months, and 65 percent plan on traveling without their children during the summer. Forty percent say they have a credit card rewards or frequent flier point’s card membership, with 58 percent saying that they successfully redeem points for such travel.
Although travelers want to get away, 83 percent say that they will stay connected while on vacation and 64 percent plan to check their work email daily over their vacations. Fewer travelers are also less concerned with the price they pay for Internet service while traveling (65 percent versus 72 percent in 2011).
In addition, they’re looking for more meaningful vacations. Forty-eight percent seek more meaningful experiences and say they will immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of their destination. The survey also indicated that this year’s travelers are more likely to go abroad and take advantage of holiday weekend getaways.
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