Nearly half of Americans plan a short vacation this summer
Americans are looking to take quick getaways this summer, favouring a ‘micro-cation’ versus the traditional week-long vacation, according to a new survey from Allianz Partners USA
Since coining the term in 2019, the travel insurance and assistance company has followed Americans’ intent to take a micro-cation, defined as a leisure trip at least 100 miles away from home that’s four nights or fewer in duration.
According to this year’s 14th annual Vacation Confidence Index, more than half of respondents (53 per cent) say their next vacation will be a micro-cation and almost a quarter (23 per cent, up two points from last year) are planning multiple micro-vacations, aka ‘multi micro-cations,’ a new travel trend identified in last year’s Vacation Confidence Index.
Seven in ten (71 per cent, up from 67 per cent last year) Americans will travel away from home between now and September for at least one night, and four in ten (39 per cent, up from 34 per cent last year) are planning multiple trips away from home this summer.
Young Americans lead multiple trips trend
The average number of trips Americans anticipate taking away from home this summer is 1.4, up from 1.2 last year. Younger Americans ages 18-34 (44 per cent) and men (40 per cent) are leading the multiple trips trend, planning two or more between now and September.
The survey also revealed how spending habits change based on the duration of the trip. For one-night micro-cationers, the average anticipated spend is US$606; for travellers planning a two-night getaway, the average is $410 per night. The anticipated average spend drops for three and four nights away, with a $325 average per night and $323 average per night, respectively.
“The summer travel season is here, and Americans are taking advantage of those banked vacation days,” said Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Whether it’s a road trip, a getaway to the mountains or to the beach for some R&R, Americans are planning quick getaways, and many are planning multiple trips to help satisfy their desire for travel. For frequent travellers, an annual travel insurance policy covering a year’s worth of travel is a great idea, offering convenience and value.”