Mitch Renfrew
For Immediate Release: TravelAwaits, an online travel publication serving travelers aged 50+, surveyed its readers and found they are looking to make up for the lost year of travel once they feel safe to do so. Their feelings about when they plan to travel, how, and where are all detailed below.
More Than 60% Plan To Travel Domestically Only
Mitch Renfrew
Over 60% of respondents indicated they plan to explore only within the United States in 2021. Popular travel destinations California, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, New York, and Texas will still be in high demand this year. Some states, including Michigan and Oregon, increased in popularity, thanks to their extensive outdoor and adventure activities.
More Than 30% Plan To Travel Internationally
Mitch Renfrew
International travel is starting to reopen, and more than 30% of travelers aged 50+ indicated they plan to travel internationally at least once in 2021, with 20% of respondents indicating they plan to take both domestic and international trips. The top countries they want to visit include perennial favorites Mexico, Canada, England, and Italy. Peru, Greece, and Scotland also made the most popular planned destination list. Surprisingly, no Caribbean islands made the list, leading one to believe travelers are planning more bucket-list experiential trips in 2021.
Road Trips Remain Popular
Mitch Renfrew
This past year kicked off the resurgence of the road trip vacation, and this trend looks like it will continue deep into 2021. Although 30% of respondents indicated they plan to fly in 2021, 40% plan to drive to their destination, and half of those plan to make the road trip part of their vacation experience. As expected, the most popular planned destinations offer many outdoor and easily distanced experiences, including beach vacations (14%), mountain trips (11%), and state or national park travels (13%). In addition, almost 13% of the respondents indicated they plan to visit small towns this year, while only 6% plan to vacation at a resort.
More Than 54% Of Travelers Are Planning Trips Of 7 Days Or Longer
Mitch Renfrew
Respondents indicated they are looking forward to longer vacations after being starved for travel for a year. Over 54% stated they are planning a trip that is at least 7 days or longer, with 22% planning to stay away from home for more than 11 days. Only 16% are planning to stick to weekend getaway trips of 1 to 3 days in length. Coupled with the fact that almost 50% of respondents are planning to travel with their significant other instead of a larger group, 2021 should be ripe for long-term travel and stays.
