Americans Hit the Road, Abandon Staycations
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The outlook for family summer travel is bright with five Americans in six planning an overnight leisure venture of more than 100 miles round-trip, a new survey finds. That's up from 78% in last year's survey.
Slightly more than half, 53%, of these travelers expect to take two or more leisure trips this summer, according to a new national survey by Choice Hotels International Inc. and FamilyFun magazine.
The shrinking number of regional air routes and rising airline fees may drive a return of the classic American road trip as 90% say their summer holiday travel will be made by car.
"The great American road trip is back," proclaims Steve Joyce, president and CEO, Choice Hotels, in a prepared statement. "I believe people are becoming more confident about their jobs, and they're planning to hit the road this summer. Travelers also are looking for value, like free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, so they can spend that extra money on theme park tickets or an additional meal out with families and friends."
Here is a snapshot of this summer's family traveler as the survey found:
Priorities on getting good value, taking charge and bonding with family are among the key reasons for choosing road trips. Most families, 54%, said driving is less expensive than flying. Nearly half the respondents pointed out that "driving gives us more control over our schedule, while more than two in five noted car trips "let us take as much luggage/gear as we like" and allow us to "take in scenery/attractions along the way" (42% and 41% respectively). Among the other reasons cited: Driving is easier" (30%), and it "gives us better family bonding time" (22%).
Getting stuck in traffic is the No. 1 pet peeve for vacationing families when they’re on the road (57%), followed by rude and dangerous drivers (39%), car trouble (36%) and kids squabbling (33%).
56% of families think technology makes road trips more fun. The majority, 61%, plan to take three to five tech/media devices, including smartphones (68%) on their trips, GPS navigation system (49%) and laptops (42%).
In an interesting juxtaposition, families rank both technology and classic road trip diversions high on the list of most effective ways to keep kids carefree on the road. Bringing along plenty of snacks and drinks is by far the preferred way to keep children happy while in the car, cited by 73% of families.
"Families are looking for affordable fun," Joyce noted. "This sentiment echoes throughout our survey, suggesting the lessons learned during the downturn remain top-of-mind for family travelers this summer."
For example, affordability is the most influential factor in choosing a hotel; 73% of families say affordability is their top consideration.
Overall, many families hope to have put the staycation behind them. Compared to last summer, they are planning longer vacations (33%), to travel farther from home (29%) and go on more trips (24%).
In a departure from travel planning scenarios of the recent past, 19% of families will take a summer holiday trip that they have been putting off for a year or more, a clear sign of the improving outlook for family travel.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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