The Major Factors Impacting Summer Travel

If you’re planning a summer vacation right now, you might be feeling frustrated by the high gas prices, rising flight prices, and growing COVID-19 concerns.

In spite of these obstacles, many Americans are getting ready for summer vacation, and you might be surprised by their biggest concern. Is it gas, COVID, money, flights, or something else? We’ve got the answer!

According to a Washington Post-Schar School poll, 61% of Americans are more concerned about gas prices than any other factors, including hotel and flight prices, time off work, and even COVID. In fact, less than 3 in 10 Americans are concerned about COVID-19’s potential impact on summer vacation.

In spite of the concern about rising gas prices, the poll also found that 77% of Americans will travel by car this summer, while 50% plan on traveling by plane. We’ve been documenting the rise of both gas and flight prices in the U.S., and AAA has reported that the national average gas price has risen to $4.59 as of May 25th, 2022.

Interestingly, the poll also found that approximately 26% of Americans are planning on longer vacations this summer, compared with a pre-pandemic vacation. 27% of Americans also plan to spend more money than usual on vacation this summer.

So where are all these vacationers headed? 64% of travelers are planning to visit the beach this summer, while 44% are planning on visiting a mountain or lake. Only 22% of Americans plan to visit a theme park this summer, and only 9% are planning a summer cruise.

According to the poll, 76% of Americans prefer to relax on vacation, while only 34% like to visit theme parks. It’s true that relaxation is not always a major part of a Disney World vacation, though there are ways to build in time by the pool and in restaurants.