In light of COVID-19, a survey commissioned by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) discovered that 44 percent of Americans are planning leisure trips or overnight travel before the end of 2020.
In comparison, 70 percent of Americans plan vacations during a regular year. Due to the pandemic, the public has had to alter those regular travel plans. The survey determined what types of travel people continue to plan, as well as the trips they are interested in taking.
More people plan to stay with family and friends (43 percent) for overnight trips than to book hotels (39 percent), according to the survey, though 68 percent said they are likely to stay at a hotel within the year.
Thirty two percent of people traveling plan to purchase plane tickets for a trip, while 72 percent plan to drive by car to their destination. Forty percent of those who plan to drive expect to drive more than four hours away, while 35 percent of people are budgeting for two to four hours of drive time.
Cruises have been put on the back burner, as 57 percent of those surveyed said they are uncomfortable with the thought of staying on a cruise ship. Sixty one percent said they do not plan to board a cruise ship for vacation.
According to the survey, 75 percent of people believe that traveling can help jumpstart the economy, and 72 percent believe that traveling can help support small businesses. Of course, being safe while going on vacation is vital–it can be done by complying with health codes, state and federal regulations.
