As summer approaches, will Americans opt for a vacation or staycation? While 80% of Americans who plan on taking a trip this summer say they will take a break in the States, 7% plan on going abroad, and 13% say they will choose to vacate in the US and abroad.
While most Americans will be tourists somewhere this summer, 40% of the nation says they will not be taking a trip for pleasure at all. The majority of lower earners – 54% of people earning less than $40,000 in a year – say they will not be going on vacation this summer. By contrast, just 29% earning $40,000 to $80,000 and 21% among those earning $80,000 and above won’t be taking a break this summer.
18 to 34 year olds are the age group most likely to be taking several trips in one year, with 7% saying they will be going on vacation more than four times this summer.
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Younger respondents are also more likely to be jet setting, with 13% of 18-34 year olds indicating they will travel abroad, compared to a national average of 7%. Over-55s are more likely to stay in their home country for their vacation – 87% compared to 71% of 18-34 year olds who are going on vacation this summer.
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A vacation abroad is more popular among higher earners and adults without any young kids. 20% of people earning more than $80,000 in a year are going to a domestic and international vacation destination, compared to 10% among people earning under $40,000.
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The South is set to be the most popular vacation destination for domestic travelers this summer. 30% of Americans who plan a vacation in the US will be traveling to the southern US, and 21% will be going to the West. Alaska is the least popular domestic vacation spot, although 3% of domestic travelers will be choosing to visit the state this summer.
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Europe is the most popular destination for America’s international travelers this summer, with the Caribbean Islands shortly behind. Australia (4%) and Africa (4%) were less popular international destinations, and 6% of international travelers say they will visit the Middle East.
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When traveling for pleasure, younger Americans tend to go with their friends or alone, whereas 35-54 year olds are much more likely to be accompanied by their family. While 33% of 18-34 year olds are taking a trip with their friends this summer, just 14% of over-55s will be doing the same.
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The road trip remains a favorite among Americans, with 67% of those planning on traveling choosing to take a vehicle that they or a traveling companion owns. 14% of Americans going on a trip will choose to rent a vehicle. Higher earners (46%) are much more likely than lower earners (26%) to be traveling by airplane this summer.
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Hotels are also likely to be more popular among wealthier respondents, although income has no effect on whether vacation goers choose to stay with relatives when they go on a trip. Higher earners are also more likely to opt to stay in a cabin, time share, rental property, recreational vehicle or cruise line on their summer trips.
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Find the full results here.
Image courtesy of Getty