Headwinds of rising airfares may be forcing travelers behind the wheel; 53% driving for the holidays, up 5% year-over-year. TripAdvisor Flights data reveals the average roundtrip airfare in economy class is up nine percent year-over-year for the December holiday travel season, while gas prices have dropped four percent year-over-year for the same travel period.
NEWTON, MASS. – TripAdvisor announced the results of its annual December holiday travel survey of more than 14,000 U.S. respondents. Forty-five percent will travel this holiday season, nearly equal to last year but more will hit the road in 2013, as 53 percent plan to drive compared to 48 percent in 2012. One quarter (25 percent) of survey respondents cited they will drive instead of fly to their destination due to the cost of airfare.
TripAdvisor Flights data reveals the average roundtrip airfare in economy class is up nine percent year-over-year for the December holiday travel season, while gas prices have dropped four percent year-over-year for the same travel period.
U.S. Travel Plans for the December holidays:
|
U.S. Travel Plans for the December holidays: |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Driving |
48%1 |
53% |
|
Flying |
46%1 |
42% |
|
National Average Airfare2 |
$401 |
$436 |
|
National Average Gas Price per Gallon3 |
$3.39 |
$3.27 |
1Based on those who said they were traveling in the 2012 TripAdvisor December holiday travel survey.
2 Based on the average roundtrip airfare in economy class for the top 100 domestic flight routes from December 23 to January 2 in 2012 and 2013, according to TripAdvisor Flights data.
3Based on the national average price per gallon for regular gas first week of December 2012 and 2013, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Bah Humbug! Stresses of Seasonal Travel
Forty-three percent find the December holidays to be the most stressful time of the year to travel, followed by Thanksgiving (31 percent).
Top 3 Stressors of Holiday Travel:
- Airline delays and cancellations
- Inclement weather
- Price of transportation
To limit the stresses of holiday travel, nearly half (48 percent) will travel at off-peak hours and 24 percent will load their smartphone or tablet with their favorite music, games, and movies.
Eight percent of U.S. respondents plan to take a holiday escape from family this year.
Hotel for the Holidays
When asked the top reason for traveling for the December holidays, 68 percent cited it’s the time of the year to see family and friends.
Where Travelers Will Stay for the Holidays:
- Home of family or friends – 49%
- Hotel – 45%
- Vacation rental – 9%
Tis the Season for Mobile Use
Seventy-one percent will use their smartphone or tablet device to plan or assist in their holiday travel. The primary reasons for smartphone usage during December holiday travel:
- Checking the weather -80%
- Researching restaurants – 60%
- Navigation – 54%
- Checking the status of a flight – 42%
- Researching or booking accommodations – 41%
Where Travelers are Headed for the 2013 Holidays:
Of those traveling, 29 percent will enjoy a city getaway, 18 percent will embark on a beach getaway, and 11 percent will visit the countryside.
Top U.S. Cities Travelers Plan to Visit for the Holidays:
- New York City, New York
- Orlando, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Chicago, Illinois
“With more travelers choosing the highway over the runway for the holidays, it’s important for travelers to limit the season’s stress by giving each other the gift of patience and goodwill on the road,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Thos traveling by car will also enjoy the season’s greeting at gas stations with cheaper prices at the pump.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
