World’s largest vacation rental search engine reports travelers are eager to take domestic and international trips once vaccinated.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Vacation rental search engine HomeToGo published its 'Return of Travel' Study, reporting on a shift in travel behaviors as the ‘new normal’ takes shape and travel begins to bounce back. With the nation’s vaccine rollout in full swing, Americans are eager to travel, according to HomeToGo’s study, which found that 54% of U.S. travelers plan on taking a trip within the first two months of getting vaccinated.
“Following a tough year spent mostly at home, our data shows that travelers desperately want to get away and enjoy a much-needed break from it all, with many searching for vacation rentals in quieter escapes that will allow them to truly disconnect,” said Mahendra Roopa, HomeToGo’s Director of Product, Machine Learning and Data Science. “We’re also seeing an upward trend when it comes to two-person trips this summer, as travelers polled in our Return of Travel survey expressed more desire to travel with their partner compared to pre-pandemic.”
Based on a survey of U.S. travelers and an analysis of HomeToGo’s internal search data, the 'Return of Travel' Study* uncovered that travelers are:
- Planning ‘Truecations’: After over a year of remote working and learning, families and young professionals are looking to recharge with 68% of respondents expressing the desire to disconnect from work during their upcoming vacations.
- Unlocking Love After Lockdown: 51% have more desire to travel with their partner compared to pre-pandemic and 70% of respondents said their partner would be their most preferred travel companion for their next vacation.
- Demanding Flexibility: Last-minute, midweek and long weekend getaways are continuing to dominate this summer as HomeToGo’s Flexible Date feature saw a 600%+ increase in use the past year for trips outside of typical vacation weeks.
- Saving Up and Doubling Down on Vacations: 80% of surveyed travelers said they saved money by traveling less in 2020, and 55% of those who saved intend on spending it on future vacations.
- Eager to Escape Abroad: Travelers are ready for international jaunts with 92% of respondents intending to visit an international destination the same or more frequently after receiving the vaccine.
- Lack of Free Cancellation is a Deal Breaker: 45% of survey respondents ranked "free cancellation" among the top two considerations when booking a rental, beyond price. This was prioritized over other enticing amenities such as beach access, stable internet, a pool, hot tub or sauna.
“Traveling to new places has the amazing ability to bring us happiness – in fact, 92% of American travelers surveyed feel travel improves their mental health,” added Caroline Burns, Head of PR and Travel Expert at HomeToGo. “We’re excited to be offering a wealth of vacation rental options – in beaches, remote escapes, or for weekend staycations – for families, couples, friends and solo travelers alike as they dust off their suitcases and finally have the chance to escape this summer.”
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.
