New data suggests a busy holiday season ahead
A new TripIt from Concur survey reveals that of those planning to travel in the next year, 63 per cent plan to do so in the next three months, suggesting a busy holiday travel season ahead
When it comes to booking travel, US travellers are practising cautious optimism – more than a quarter (26 per cent) of travellers said they have made plans they are prepared to cancel or change. A quarter (25 per cent) said they’re holding off making plans due to the Delta variant. Data also points to many US travellers waiting to book holiday travel plans, with most of them planning to travel for Thanksgiving, for example, planning to book only one month out.
Perhaps past experience lends to this behaviour – more than a quarter (28 per cent) of travellers said they have cancelled or changed plans due to Covid. Of those who changed or cancelled plans, 27 per cent lost money, some up to US$5,000.
The top-three reasons why Americans plan to travel in the year ahead have remained mostly consistent over the course of 2021. This time around, 77 per cent said they’re planning a vacation, 60 per cent are planning to visit family and friends, and 41 per cent are planning a business trip. Other reasons include the winter holidays (27 per cent), a special occasion (25 per cent), a rescheduled trip (22 per cent), and Thanksgiving (19 per cent).
Pandemic changes what travellers feel comfortable with
The Delta variant has changed what travellers need to feel comfortable. The survey data shows that nearly half of travellers (47 per cent) said in order to feel comfortable flying they would need proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid-19 test required for passengers. Forty-two per cent of travellers would like to see airlines continue or increase their safety measures, such as mask requirements and Covid-19 testing mandates.
More than a third of travellers (37 per cent) said their top concern was whether they might need to cancel or reschedule a trip due to Covid-19 restrictions, requirements, or illness. Staying up to date on travel restrictions, guidelines, and requirements came in second, with 35 per cent of travellers expressing concern about this. Overcrowding and long lines dropped to number four in the list, but more than a quarter (27 per cent) still say this is a top concern next time they travel.
This comes after the US confirmed 8 November as the long-awaited date when it will welcome travellers.