May 21, 2009
5/21: Less Than Half of Americans to Vacation This Summer
Fewer than half of all Americans — 49% — plan on taking a summer vacation this year. When Marist last posed this question two years ago, 63% reported they were hitting the road.
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Annual household income currently plays a large role here. Just 38% of residents earning less than $50,000 a year will be taking a trip within the next few months. This compares with 57% who make between $50,000 and $99,999 annually and 77% of those who earn $100,000 or more. Those living in the Midwest and South have been the hardest hit.
Included in the 49% who are lucky enough to get away this summer, 23% say they are going to take one or more long getaways while 21% report they are going to enjoy several shorter weekend trips. Just 5% are planning both or have some other type of holiday in mind. In 2007, 28% of Americans took at least one long vacation, and 35% enjoyed shorter stints away from home. 37% stayed at home.
Once again, money currently impacts travel decisions. Americans with larger salaries are more likely to take longer getaways. 39% of residents making $100,000 or more annually are planning at least one long vacation. This compares with 27% earning between $50,000 and $99,999 a year and 14% of those in a lower income bracket.
More than one-third of Americans — 35% — report they have changed their travel plans to specifically save money. 65% of residents nationally, however, report that’s not their intent. And, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of vacation spending, nearly four in ten Americans — 37% — are planning to spend less money this year compared with their last vacation. Half report they will spend the same while just 13% report they will shell out more.
Table: Plan on Taking a Summer Vacation
Table: Summer Vacation History
Table: Changed Plans to Save Money
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