America (Washington Insider Magazine) -Travel and tourism were impacted in huge ways in 2020. Airlines have more restrictive protocols for flyers and local tour operators or organizations around the world have had to think outside of the box to save their businesses. While the industry is still changing because of COVID-19, so have traveler behaviors and motivations. With the implications of risk from the COVID-19 virus, economic instability for many Americans, and confusion surrounding travel restrictions and requirements, American travelers have had to adapt to the “new normal.” How have American travelers changed their habits amid COVID-19?
Americans are planning and beginning to travel more
According to a 2021 survey conducted by vacation rental search engine Vrbo, 65% of Americans said they plan on travelling more in 2021 than they did toward the beginning of 2020, when COVID-19 truly took form in the United States. Just a few months ago, the data was showing that 72% of Americans were booking hotels and vacation rentals, showing an uptick in bookings even before the end of 2021.
Americans are staying closer to their homes
A survey distributed by Longwoods International showed that Americans are planning to travel more within the United States instead of going abroad, with approximately 29% of survey recipients indicating that sentiment. Other research conducted by Kayak is showing Floridians searching for staycation options (70% of searches coming from that state), and California as a state had the most searches for car rentals in the same state (39% of searches coming from the state). People are beginning to realize that there is plenty to see here in the United States, and given the current health crisis, it may be worth the trip right now.
Americans are usually more willing to adapt to mandates, rules, and regulations
Most Americans are going to follow any local, state, or country-wide mandates related to COVID-19 if it means being able to go to their favorite restaurants, travel, and do the things they love. While many airlines had to navigate difficult conversations with uncooperative passengers when air travel first restarted last year, the rate of unruly passengers on commercial flights has dropped significantly. With many Americans travelling again both domestically and internationally, there have been positive responses from the American public as it relates to mask-mandates on flights and vaccination requirements for border entry.
Americans are taking travel inspiration from streaming services, movies, and other forms of entertainment
According to the Longwoods International Wave 47 survey, 29% of survey respondents indicated that they feel inspired to travel to a particular destination because they saw it depicted in a movie or TV show that streamed on Netflix, Hulu, and other large streaming platforms. The caveat is that they don’t know when they will go. We’re seeing travelers being more careful in how they plan their trips: the who, what, where, when, and how. Predictions are leaning toward a boom in travel for 2022.
