Poll finds travelers not deterred by adverse conditions
When Travelocity revisited last January’s poll to take into account more recent developments such as record-high gas prices and higher airfares, they found almost half of all respondents said the bad news travel trends would have no effect on their travel planning this year.
“Most (46%) said the weakening of the US dollar would not affect their plans to travel internationally, and 25% said they’d choose cheaper destinations, whether international or domestic,†says Travelocity.
Travelocity data shows summer fares are up 13% over 2007 with the average domestic flight at $366 compared to $317 in 2007. Despite rising costs, 55% of Americans are still opting to travel this summer, however, many said their plans would change based on rising gas prices.
â€Americans are still traveling internationally, but choosing places where they can stretch their dollar. Travelocity data shows share of travel is up to Mexico (31%), South America (8%) and Eastern Europe (13%), while share of travel to Western Europe is down 15%,†the poll said.
Other findings:
—Seventeen percent said they would take shorter vacations to save money.
—Travelocity shows the average length of stay is decreasing from seven days to six this summer.
—Fifty-five percent said they would book further in advance.
—Travelers are booking their summer trips an average of 4.3% farther in advance than they did in 2007.
—Twenty-five percent said they would book a package to save money.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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