Young travelers are hungry for adventure, and it’s taking them to Africa.
25.08.2023 - 13:43 / skift.com / Selene Brophy
More people plan to vacation than last summer, but affordability is cutting into their choice.
A new Bankrate survey shows that American consumers are more mindful of their budgets, as climbing travel prices and interest rates force some 80 percent of travelers surveyed to change their plans for cheaper options.
A further 58 percent of those unlikely to take a summer vacation say they can’t afford it, with Bankrate data showing a jump of 10 percent compared to the same period in 2022 when 48 percent of those unlikely to take a summer vacation said they couldn’t afford it.
Nearly 2 in 3 U.S. adults, or 63 percent, plan to take a summer vacation this year, according to the survey results. The figure is up two percent from 61 percent in 2022, but as inflation cuts into budgets people are preparing to adapt to rising costs.
Some 29 percent of vacationers are saving money by selecting less expensive accommodations or destinations, closely followed by 28 percent who plan to engage in cheaper activities.
Comparative data to last year shows that these percentages are higher, as 22 percent of vacationers chose less expensive accommodations or destinations, 23 percent engaged in cheaper activities, 19 percent traveled for fewer days, and 16 percent drove rather than flew to their destinations.
“There’s a cumulative toll to both inflation and the higher interest rates that are meant to combat it,” said Bankrate senior industry analyst Ted Rossman.
“Prices were rising much faster last year at this time, but fewer travelers were adjusting their plans. Last year was also notable for the tremendous pent-up demand that was unleashed as COVID-19 restrictions and concerns began to ease.”
The latest 2023 second quarter consumer travel index data from Hopper shows domestic airfares are expected to rise steadily through June.
Domestic airfares would see a 7 percent jump to $321 per round trip ticket in May, then rise 5 percent more, to peak at $328 in June. However, peak summer airfare in June is still expected to be 10 percent lower than the record peak of $400 per ticket in June 2022.
These fare estimates remain 4 percent higher than pre-pandemic 2019 prices. Seasonal shoulder season drops in airfare can also be expected from July to August. Yet, Hopper data suggests late summer and early fall fares should see a return to pre-pandemic prices.
Despite international travel is seeing high demand, lower supply is driving airfares to the highest levels in at least five years., according to Hopper. For example, airfare to Europe is 24 percent higher than pre-pandemic, while airfare to Asia has surged to 60 percent higher.
Add to this, Bankrate data shows that only 14 percent of people plan an international
Young travelers are hungry for adventure, and it’s taking them to Africa.
Italy’s price cap on flights to Sicily and Sardinia is “illegal and unenforceable”, Ryanair group CEO Michael O’Leary told Reuters on Tuesday, adding the budget airline had lodged a complaint with the European Commission.
Earning miles and points is easy for consumers who sign up for credit cards or special rewards programs. But knowing where and how to use those points to make their travel dreams come true has proven much more challenging – an estimated $30 billion in loyalty points go unredeemed each year.
Ongoing demand for experiences points to a potential market worth hundreds of millions of dollars. With 70% of tours and activities still offline, companies are investing in tech that reduces booking friction and also enhancing the in-person experience.
Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida early Wednesday, potentially leading to power outages, wind damage and flooding as it moves inland.
Summers in my hometown of Geneva, Switzerland used to bring sunny spells, but also long, rainy periods during which one wondered whether July had suddenly morphed into November. No longer. Climate change and its resulting heat waves have transformed the aquatic landscape, and more importantly the relationship between people and Lake Geneva (also known as Lake Léman). Along the quays, outdoor bars and cafes have sprung up, and on the water, sail boats, yachts, but also kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and even floating mattresses lend a new Mediterranean feel to this Alpine scenery.
The Budapest Marathon 2023 is the 8th edition of the global competition that allows City Sightseeing to share the passion of running and travel with three lucky winners, giving them the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most iconic destinations through marathons.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) claims that American Airlines has removed 40% of its fare inventory from distribution channels used by travel agents and travel management companies following the implementation of new systems with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology.
Travel has always offered an escape from the ordinary. But it has classically offered escapism by creating what you might call “sensory deprivation bubbles.” It conjured the fantasy that troubles didn’t exist within the space of their resorts, cruise ships, theme parks, and first-class cabins.
Americans want savvy pricing regarding their travel experiences in the new year, as they keep an open mind about the type of things they plan to book.
High levels of inflation are contributing to a decline in Americans making travel plans for December holidays this year. Almost 43 percent of U.S. adults intend to travel for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, a 4 percentage point decrease from the figure recorded last year, according to a recent survey from travel industry website The Vacationer.
There’s nothing quite like a surprise travel gift — and U.S. travelers are ready for it.