2020 Travel Plans Survey Results
Recently, we released a survey designed to analyze public outlook on the future of travel. We wanted to know whether or not the COVID-19 pandemic had made people reconsider traveling altogether. And if not, what would make people feel safe to travel again? These, and a handful of other questions were answered in our 2020 Travel Plans Survey. Following is a summary of the results:
We asked: What factor(s) will play the biggest role in helping you determine whether or not you are willing to travel?
Many people listed a vaccine and low new case numbers as contributing factors. Some said that they’d be willing to travel once restrictions in their destination have been lifted. One respondent wrote, “I'll confidently travel again once cafes are open for dine-in, for example.”
Another respondent claimed some of the biggest roles to them included “desire to go to a particular place and making sure my immune system is in tip top shape before I go.”
We asked: How soon do you anticipate yourself traveling within the United States?
32% of respondents said they’d be willing to travel within 1 year and 40% of respondents were willing to travel within 6 months or sooner. Just 4% claimed they’d be willing to travel within the US greater than 1 year, and 24% were unsure.
We asked: How soon do you anticipate yourself traveling internationally?
Over half of respondents said they’d be willing to travel internationally within 1 year. However, only 8% claimed they’d be willing to travel within 6 months. 20% said they’d be willing to travel greater than 1 year, and another 20% were unsure.
We asked: When it is safe to travel again, where will you go and why?
30% of respondents listed at least 1 United States destination, but were often undecided on exactly where in the U.S. they’d like to go. Stated reasons for wanting to travel within the U.S. travel included a desire to avoid air travel, and a desire to visit family.
The other nearly 70% of respondents listed at least 1 international destination they’d like to visit. Europe was most often listed with destinations including Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Iceland, and Greece. Multiple respondents stated that their reasoning for wanting to travel internationally was due to a previously cancelled trip. One responded stated, “We have traveled within the US in the last 2 months, so the next thing will be international.” Some listed destinations that they’d like to return to, and others listed places they’ve never been like, “Iceland to see the Northern Lights” and, “Spain because I haven't been and there are so many things I want to see there; Turkey because I want to see parts I have never visited (especially Cappadocia).”
We asked: Will you avoid air travel?
The answer for most people was no. Some respondents had stated in previous questions that they were considering U.S.-based travel in order to avoid flying, but weren’t explicitly against it.
We asked: Has a lack of traveling had any impact on your life? If so, how?
For many people, it has.
“It made me sad and changed my plans entirely.”
“Yes. I normally fly frequently within the U.S. and, about once a year internationally. We missed at least two trips we would have taken this summer but for the pandemic.”
“Yes, I miss the excitement of visiting a new country, seeing what's out there. I miss the freedom traveling gives me.”
“I feel stuck in one place, but at least it's allowed me to save money in the meantime!”
“I have a bit of wanderlust so being here at home for months seems to almost sap the energy out of life.”
“Missing looking forward to a trip.”
“ … sense of wasting time and missed opportunities.”
“I have genuinely missed the opportunity to travel, rejuvenate, refresh and clear my mind.”
We asked: Will you travel differently in the future. If so, how?
Some respondents said they didn’t expect much to change, just that they would obey any new safety guidelines put in place. Others, however, said they would voluntarily change some things.
Some claimed they would travel more in the future, partly to make up for lost time. Others stated they would adopt a slower pace while traveling, be less willing to agree to last-minute trips, pay “much more attention to detail and self protection”, use “greater caution while on planes and in airport[s]”, and incorporate “more outdoor activities” into their travels.
We publish these results because we personally find comfort in knowing that fellow travel lovers share our longing for the return of travel. We firmly believe that travel has the power to be a force of good in the world - something we sorely need. We eagerly await the time when we can get back out into the world, meet new people, experience new cultures, learn new things about ourselves and our fellow man, and travel again.
When you do decide to travel again, travel with us!
Our affordable luxury trips are designed for small groups of travelers with most trips running with 3 - 6 people on each trip. Travelers find increased comfort and security in knowing that they are guaranteed their own, private room on every ATC trip. (Find out more about our COVID-19 precautions here.) With an increased emphasis on outdoor activities and a heightened focus on health and wellness, we believe that small group travel with the ATC is the future of travel. Browse our selection of trip offerings here!
Featured ATC Trips
Key West, Florida
February 3 - 9, 2021 ; February 2 - 8, 2022
Eclectic, warm, and welcoming, Key West is a reminder of the cultural and ecological diversity present in the United States. Historic Queen Anne and Victorian houses that have been converted into restaurants, bars, boutiques, cigar shops, and art galleries give the island a distinct and charming character. Key West is a place where you can dip your toes into warm, crystal waters, watch boats sail in the breeze, gaze out at a painted sky, listen to the sound of Cuban music, and savor the taste of a fresh rum concoction. Also featuring a vibrant night scene, a plethora of mysterious tales, and an assortment of quirky characters, Key West is fun and funky. Join the AstridTravel Club on this exciting trip to the “Conch Nation”!
Savannah, Georgia
April 15 - 20, 2021
This southern city is overflowing with history, charm and intrigue. Savannah’s iconic moss-covered live oak trees, cobblestone streets, and varied architecture only hint at the stories and legends contained within it. This trip to Savannah is perfect for anyone looking to uncover the secrets of this gorgeous colonial city, and of course, experience a taste of true Southern Hospitality.
Dublin, Ireland
May 2021
Dublin is a city in which good times and even better tales abound. Wander the streets of this lively city and find hidden gems around nearly every corner. Dive into the culture of Ireland as you explore rural medieval towns, embrace the tranquility of the Irish countryside, walk along the Cliffs of Moher, and sip a pint of Guinness in Ireland’s oldest pub. History buffs and literature enthusiasts will especially enjoy this trip, but all will delight in the infectious spirit of the Irish on this exciting week-long journey.
