Nearly three-quarters of potential travelers are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine or are already vaccinated.
NEW YORK – Seventy-six percent of potential travelers would be as or more likely to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires proof of the COVID-19 vaccine (such as a vaccine passport), according to a new study by The Points Guy. This includes nearly half (49%) who are more likely (31% much more likely) to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires proof of vaccination and 26% say it would have no impact on their travel plans. Additionally, nearly three-quarters (74%) of potential travelers are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine or are already vaccinated.
Two-thirds (67%) of those who are already vaccinated and have a desire to travel say they are more likely to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires a vaccine passport, including 47% who are much more likely. Of those who are very or somewhat likely to get the vaccine, 63% say they would also be more likely (39% much more likely) to travel to a destination that requires proof of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Just over one-third (34%) with a desire to travel say they are less likely (17% much less likely) to travel to a destination or with a provider if they must prove vaccination. This includes 42% who are not likely to get the vaccine and 31% who are already vaccinated or are likely to get the vaccine. Of those who are less likely to travel to a destination that requires a vaccine passport, 64% cite privacy concerns (i.e., my health is no one’s business) as a reason not to do so and 46% cite safety/health concerns (i.e., safety of the vaccine or my health), while 18% cite some other reason.
Overall, 64% of U.S. adults have a desire to travel in 2021. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of those with a desire to travel are likely to get the vaccine/are already vaccinated compared to 64% who don't have a desire to travel at all. Generationally speaking, boomers (ages 57–75) and Gen Xers (ages 41–56) with a desire to travel are more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine/are already vaccinated than their younger counterparts (79% and 75%, respectively vs. 70% of younger generations).
Potential travelers who have, or are likely to get, the COVID-19 vaccine say they would feel safe traveling to the following places: a state or national park (70%), a public beach (59%), a big city (50%), a resort (45%), a theme park (32%) and a cruise (20%). Just 8% would not feel comfortable traveling to any of them.
When asked who you hope to travel with first once vaccinated, 40% of potential travelers who are likely to be vaccinated or have already received the vaccine say significant other or spouse. Other common travel partners include immediate family members (30%, i.e., parents, siblings, children, etc.) and friend(s) (13%), while less common travel partners include extended family members (5%), strangers (i.e., group trip, 2%) and coworker(s) (1%). A mere 8% hopes to travel solo.
“For many Americans, COVID-19 vaccines are the key to restarting travel,” says Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy. “Destinations that are requiring proof of vaccination, and travel providers that have a similar requirement, seem to be giving potential travelers a stronger sense of safety, which will make many people feel more confident about booking future travel.”
Lieberman adds, “Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s still crucial to research a destination’s quarantine requirements, testing mandates and vaccination rules prior to booking travel.”
Overall, 71% of U.S. adults are likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or are already vaccinated, with 41% very likely, 17% somewhat likely and 13% having already received the vaccine. Nearly three in 10 (29%) say they are not too likely or not at all likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it is available to them.
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.
