This summer, more people will be leaving work behind and taking a trip for fun.
LowFares.com, the travel comparison search site for cheap flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages, found that a significant increased amount of people will be taking a leisure trip this summer. According to a survey of LowFares.com email subscribers, there is a 44 percent increase in the number of people who plan to take a summer leisure trip versus last year.
The survey found that 64 percent of respondents took a leisure trip last year. This summer 92 percent of people are planning a getaway.
The increase in summer leisure travel is a result of an economic comeback. People are feeling better about the economy and are more confident in their spending, so they're looking to travel again.
"Our survey points to an economic rebound for the travel industry this summer," said Raj Beri, General Manager of Oversee.net's Travel Vertical in a press release. "We were very excited to see a large increase in the number of people planning a summer leisure trip this year."
The survey also found that 48 percent of respondents will travel around the U.S. The top U.S. travel destinations include Florida, New York City, and Las Vegas. Summer travelers won't just be sticking to the states though. Forty-four percent said that they will be taking a trip to an international destination such as the Caribbean, England and Australia.
Some people are opting for a staycation, as 8 percent of respondents said their summer trip will be taking place close to home. Most people are still a bit hesitant to go wild with spending, so 74 percent of travelers said that they expect to spend the same or less than they did in 2011. Those who are a bit more confident in the finances expect to spend more than last year, 26 percent responded.
The survey also showed that people are more likely to turn to travel sites than social media to get their vacation ideas.
"Another interesting finding was the strong preference that consumers had for using travel review websites instead of Facebook for ideas on destinations which is in line where we see the industry heading -- towards more of a focus on user reviews complemented by smart travel search tools" said Beri.
Most respondents, 62 percent said they would turn to travel sites before social media to get their trip ideas. Thirty-one percent claimed they prefer to use Facebook to help them choose a destination.
With the 2012 Summer Olympics coming up, LowFares.com also asked their subscribers about London travel. Twelve percent of travelers responded that they did have plans to go to London for the Olympics which would be a first time trip to England for 64 percent of them. Of those making the London Olympics trip, 71 percent said they would also travel to other parts of Europe such as France and Italy as part of an extended vacation.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
