A new report finds more than eight in ten Americans are in a “ready to travel” state of mind, up five points from two weeks ago and one of the highest levels since the start of the pandemic.
A new study of 1,200 American travellers by Destination Analysts shows that “travel sentiment has recovered from Omicron and in some areas even soared to levels not seen since the Summer 2021 vaccine rollout-high.
“American travelers optimistic about the course of the pandemic over the next month climbed over 11 points in the last two weeks, reaching 41.9%—exceeding the post-Delta recovery,” the group said in a relase. “Even the feeling that COVID will be with us for the long-term dropped 5 points in the last two weeks, from 69.4% to 64.6%, and Americans are feeling an increasing sense of normalcy (up 3 points to 36.9%). In addition, a growing number of Americans admit they often feel that life should go back to normal despite the pandemic (63.1% vs. 60.3% two weeks ago).
“This greater pandemic optimism can be seen in Americans’ feelings towards travel, and their anticipated trip behaviors. This week, 81.5% are in a ready-to-travel state-of-mind, up over 5 points in the last two weeks and, more importantly, among the highest levels it has ever been in the pandemic era.
“Nearly 77% of American travelers report high levels of excitement to travel in the next 12 months and are expressing greater likelihood to travel internationally and attend large gatherings like conferences/conventions in the near future. More than three-quarters have dreamt and planned travel in the last week alone, a rate not seen since Summer 2021.”
The report says a full 92.1% of American travelers will take at least one trip in the next 12-months—in fact, they anticipate taking 3.3 leisure trips on average this year, the highest reported figure in 14 months. In terms of the pandemic’s cloud, while 44.3% still feel COVID is impacting their ability to have meaningful travel experiences and 23.8% remain expectant that their travels plans will be impacted by the virus in the next 6 months, these sentiments are both on a continued decline. Taking a timely look at ski & snowboard related travel as a case study, the percent who say such a vacation is safe has nearly doubled from last season to this season.
“In this positive mindset towards travel, Americans are seeking travel information and ideas. In fact, strong openness to travel inspiration is up to 69.6%. Family travel looks to be king motivator in 2022 with nearly two-in-three travelers saying this type of travel is something they are highly excited about, far surpassing the closest other trip type, romantic getaways.
“Not surprisingly, spending time with loved ones is also one of Americans’ highest priority travel experiences. Over 70 percent of travelers say this is a high or essential priority to them. Only “having fun” and “relaxation” scored higher as travel priorities in the upcoming year. Food, visiting historical attractions, shopping and international travel continue to be top activities American travelers are passionate about.
New York, Florida, Las Vegas and California still top where Americans say they most want to go in 2022, Destination Analysts reported.
