IPX1031: Where are Americans vacationing during the pandemic?

US: Qualified Intermediary service provider IPX1031 reports on its research on how Americans have adjusted their vacation plans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned vacation plans upside down for Americans. Instead of booking flights to travel abroad, travellers are opting for road trips and extended stays at vacation homes and short-term rentals locally within the United States.

In order to find out how Americans have adjusted their vacation plans during Covid-19, we [IPX1031] surveyed more than 2,000 people across the country.

Among our key findings were:

• Only 27 per cent of Americans have taken a vacation since Covid-19 began. 62 per cent of those regret taking their vacation due to limitations on their trip.
• Only 20 per cent of Americans say they are planning on taking a vacation this year. 64 per cent do not feel safe flying and 33 per cent say they will not fly until there is a vaccine.
• Of those who have vacationed, 70 per cent changed their destination, 81 per cent avoided large cities and 76 per cent monitored Covid-19 cases in the area before traveling.
• The most popular domestic travel destinations during Covid-19: 1. California 2. Florida 3. New York 4. Texas 5. Nevada.
• 49 per cent of respondents said they would be more likely to take a vacation [or another vacation] if a second stimulus check is issued this year.

Covid-19 vacation plans

A little more than one quarter of respondents said they have already taken a vacation since Covid-19 and 20 per cent have plans to take one. Others are either putting travel plans on hold [37 per cent] or have opted for a staycation at home [15 per cent].

It is no surprise that the pandemic has impacted previously planned trips. According to respondents, 40 per cent outright cancelled a vacation and 23 per cent postponed their vacation.

Along with making changes to when they planned to travel, Americans have also made changes to how they will get to their destinations. Overall, 64 per cent said they do not feel safe flying on a commercial aeroplane right now and one third said they will wait until a vaccine is available to fly again.

Who has vacationed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Despite the pandemic, many were determined to find time for relaxation and a vacation this summer. Of the 27 per cent who have already taken a vacation, 28 per cent took one in March while June was the second most popular month to travel [22 per cent]. A majority [52 per cent] drove to their destination and of those, 72 per cent decided to drive in order to avoid flying.

Travellers also were adaptable to the pandemic as 70 per cent said they changed their destination due to the virus and 81 per cent avoided large cities. As an extra precaution, 58 per cent purchased travellers insurance for their vacation.

Accommodations for vacations were diverse. While hotels were the most popular [40 per cent], Americans also stayed with family [18 per cent], short-term rentals like Airbnb [16 per cent] or their vacation homes [nine per cent].

Americans were also staying longer at their destinations with 55 per cent saying their vacation was longer than it normally would be.

Who is planning on taking a vacation?

Similar to those who have already taken a vacation, Americans who are planning on taking a vacation are also choosing to drive rather than fly. Of the 50 per cent who plan to drive to their destination, 74 per cent are doing so in order to avoid flying.

Also, the trend of avoiding large cities seems to be continuing as 66 per cent plan to vacation outside of large metro areas. Travellers are also keeping an eye on the virus situation before traveling and 85 per cent said they will cancel or postpone their trip if cases spike in the area they plan to visit.

Covid-19 and vacation homes

With trips abroad on hold and remote work becoming more common, Americans are taking the opportunity to utilise their vacation homes more often.

Overall, 81 per cent of vacation homeowners said they are spending more time at their property since Covid-19. This extra time is not only being spent relaxing, but also working. According to respondents, 85 per cent said they have used their vacation home to work remotely since the pandemic began.

Covid-19 and PTO

Vacation homeowners are not the only ones working on vacation this year. Overall, 43 per cent said they have worked or are planning to work while on vacation and 59 per cent have checked or plan to check work emails and communications on vacation.

While some are choosing not to fully unplug on vacation, others will be dreaming about a break from work. According to respondents, 56 per cent will leave PTO [paid time off] on the table this year due to Covid-19.

However, nearly 50 per cent] said they would be more likely to take a vacation or an additional vacation this year if they receive another stimulus check.

 

To view the full report, follow the link to the IPX1031 website.