American traveler sentiment: Travel remains a priority
Economic uncertainty could still impact future travel plans of many Americans during the fall season and beyond.
The latest Longwoods International American Traveler Sentiment finds four in ten travelers (39%) report that there are factors limiting or discouraging them from leisure travel within the next 12 months.
Among those, 75% report financial constraints and economic uncertainty as a top factor.
Others being personal/family health limitations (16%), work and family commitments (14%), and safety concerns stemming from either health or politics (9%).
Additionally, 64% of travelers either strongly agree or agree that ‘travel is becoming too expensive’.
However, 54% either strongly agree or agree that they are ‘willing to reduce spending in other areas prioritize travel’, which indicates that despite financial concerns, travel is still top-of-mind.
The majority of travelers surveyed (58%) plan to travel about the same amount this fall compared to last year.
A quarter (23%), however, plan to travel less this fall compared to last year.
Despite this, overall demand remains just below record survey highs with 91% of American travelers indicating plans to go somewhere in the next six months.
Still, American travelers overwhelmingly place high value and importance on travel.
Three-quarter of travelers either strongly agree or agree that ‘vacations are one of the things I most look forward to each year’ (75%) and ‘I value making experiences over acquiring more material belongings’ (72%).
This further reinforces the thought that travel has shifted from a “want” to a “need” among American travelers.
One-third (32%) of American travelers report that that the Covid-19 pandemic changed how they travel now.
Among those, two-thirds (62%) now practice increased caution and hygiene practices when traveling.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, also resulted in increased importance and appreciation for travel.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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