Believe it or not, it’s almost summer, and that means it’s time to get planning! From relaxing beach escapes to city getaways, the summer offers many travelers the chance to get out and explore.
According to TripAdvisor’s annual summer travel survey of more than 1,800 respondents, that’s exactly what travelers plan to do. This year’s survey found that 86 percent of travelers are planning leisure trips this summer, up from 81 percent who traveled last year. A separate survey of more than 1,200 U.S. respondents also found that recently declining gas prices won’t have an effect on leisure travel plans this summer, according to 86 percent of U.S. respondents. However, 10 percent now expect to take more trips by car this summer as a direct result of lower prices at the pumps.
TripAdvisor survey found 10 percent of U.S. respondents plan to take more summer trips by car as a result of declining gas prices.
Other interesting findings from our summer travel survey include:
-More than a quarter of travelers surveyed (27%) said they will spend more on leisure summer travel than they did in 2011, 47% plan to spend the same amount as last year, and 26% expect to spend less.
-70% will stay at a hotel this summer, up 3% from 2011, 31% will stay at the home of family or friends, and 20% will spend their time in a vacation rental home.
-Of those going on summer trips this year, 70% will be traveling by car and 64% will be taking to the skies.
-79% would take a spontaneous trip this summer if they found a great deal.
-More than one-third of U.S. respondents (34%) plan to travel for Memorial Day weekend, up eight percent from 2011.
-According to the respondents, New York City, Las Vegas, and Chicago are the three most popular U.S. destinations for summer travel this year.
-41% of respondents said while on vacation they plan to visit a historical site or landmark, 15% will attend a concert, and 12% will treat themselves to a food festival.
To see the full survey results, including the most popular summer destination types and regions, take a peek here.
Will you be traveling this summer? Fill us in on where you’re headed in the comments section below!
