- 73% of American consumers feel “positive” about travel, according to a study by CarTrawler.com.
- Travelers can expect services to be slower while new employees get to work quickly.
- Jen Moyse of TripIt predicts that travel will cost more this summer.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling this summer: You’ll pay more, worry more, and might even take a turn or two. But nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to stop you from taking a vacation.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of US consumers say they feel “positive” about travel, and more than half (51%) expect to take more domestic leisure trips this year, according to a CarTrawler.com survey. Practically speaking, that means 73% of Americans will be traveling somewhere by June, according to a survey by Conqueror’s TripIt. Sixty percent will take a road trip. (There is some overlap because some will do both).
41% of U.S. Americans in a survey by World Nomads said nothing would stop them from going—neither war, nor inflation, nor COVID-19. no thing.
“But the focus on these trips has changed dramatically,” says John Whitby, World Nomads general manager of marketing. “Travelers have switched from reconnecting with family and friends to exploring and relaxing.”
Yes, this summer will be a fun time to travel.
“The easing of pandemic restrictions has unleashed a pent-up craving for travel for two years,” says Damien Tisdale, founder of travel insurance website CoverTrip.com. “At the same time, restrictions are not being relaxed uniformly across the board. It will lead to a lot of excited but confused travelers trying to figure out how to manage their trip.”
Here’s how to deal with excitement and confusion:
It’s not the same old travel industry
The COVID-19 virus has changed travel forever. Experts worry that travelers will forget the past two years.
“My concern is that many travelers expect travel to be normal — as it once was for COVID,” says Lisa Bagotto, director of Crooked Compass, a tour operator. “It is important to remember that many hotels, tour operators and carriers have not been operating at full capacity for some time.”
This means that services may be slower while new employees get to work quickly. Hotels may offer discounted services, such as housekeeping and meals. You may continue to see health and safety protocols, such as mandatory hiding and social distancing.
Be prepared to pay more
“Rising travel costs is our top priority,” says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com.
He says the key is to book early. According to CheapAir.com’s 2022 Airfare study, the least expensive day of the week to take a flight is Wednesday, and the most economical month to travel is August. So there is still time.
Jen Moyse, TripIt’s vice president of product, expects inflation and higher gas prices to drive up travel costs this summer.
She advises “putting a little extra money aside.” “It can help you avoid negative and stressful financial situations before or after the trip.”
Book it: Best times to book flights, hotel rooms, car rental or camps
When do you need to be at the airport? It depends on your destination
Gas prices will result in transfers, but not cancellations
Fuel prices are at record levels in the United States, but rather than prompting Americans to cancel their summer vacations, these prices are only pushing travelers to adjust their plans.
Jessica O’Reilly, a spokeswoman for Travel Iowa, predicts that “people will adjust their trips.” “Maybe they won’t travel far or frequently. Or they’ll trade off for higher gas prices, and maybe spend less on dining or staying with family and friends than in a hotel.”
Gas prices rise to record levels: How to save on a road trip
But they still go. Road trips to Iowa are up about 15% compared to 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Iowa had the second-highest rate of recovery from road trips in the country this winter.
“I think people still see travel as a birthright, and they will make the necessary trade-offs to take the trips that they feel they have lost over the past two years,” O’Reilly says.
You will worry a lot
A survey by travel insurance company Seven Corners found that Americans will spend a lot of time worrying about travel.
What are they interested in? Nearly half of Americans (49%) who plan to travel within the USA are costing in their list of concerns. Other concerns include being caught in another country if they test positive for the coronavirus (13% of international travelers) and difficulties keeping up with testing requirements (9%).
The concern goes with the territory. Although there is no way to eliminate the risks of travel – after all, isn’t that what makes it exciting? – You can hedge your bets.
Flight line: Is it okay to ask about another passenger’s vaccination status or to ask that it be concealed?
Angela Borden, product marketing strategist at Seven Corners, says many travel insurance policies include COVID-19 coverage and can help with medical care-related expenses. If you’re really scared, you can pay extra for the “cancel for any reason” policy, which allows you to cancel your vacation and get 50% to 75% of your non-refundable prepaid costs back.
“With Cancellation for Any Reason travel insurance, you can cancel your trip due to financial hardship, fear of travel due to COVID, hostilities at your destination, or whatever else you wish,” Borden says.
Europe is problematic
Before COVID-19, Europe was one of the top destinations for American summer travelers. This year, Omar Kiwan, co-founder of insurance app Goose Insurance, says he expects Europe won’t be as popular.
“Although many travel restrictions have been lifted and we expect a busy travel season in 2022, the conflict in Eastern Europe has created some concerns for travelers,” he says.
Other observers agree that Europe is a problematic destination.
“The primary concern with summer travel this year is the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine and how it could affect travel plans to Europe,” says Mike Holman, CEO of Medjet.
Most of the major European tourist destinations are far from conflict. (TV reports aren’t always great at putting wars in a meaningful geographic context.) Holman says travelers to Europe should stay up-to-date on the State Department’s travel advisory and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Registration Program, a free service that notifies travelers if an event occurs. A serious mistake in their destination.
How to save on a last minute trip
It may seem like it’s summer to stay home, but it could be wrong. If you’re flexible with your vacation dates, and avoid busier times like Memorial Day and 4th of July, you can find affordable flights, hotel rooms, and vacation rentals.
Kristi Hudson, an Expedia spokeswoman, suggests saving money by putting together your flight, car, and hotel. Many online travel agencies offer package deals. She says Expedia travelers save an average of $600 when bundled.
Flexibility can help you get a lower rate on a vacation rental. Demand for Vrbo properties usually declines after the peak summer travel season. If you have flexible travel dates, look for vacation homes in late August or September, when competition is less fierce and prices are usually lower.
I wish you a wonderful summer vacation
You’ll likely go somewhere this summer, even if you’re not entirely comfortable with the idea. You are more likely to get insurance, and if you play your cards right, you could end up with a bargain.
You will be in good company. Internal data from tour operator smarTours suggests that two-thirds of Americans will plan a vacation, which is in line with other surveys of travelers. But the world wouldn’t quite be their oyster.
“Travelers do not feel safe going to Eastern Europe this year,” notes Christine Petersen, CEO of smarTours, “only 6% of travelers surveyed said they feel safe when visiting this region.”
Traveling in the summer will be more expensive and worrying, and you may have to choose another destination. But cancellation? Not this year.