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How Americans Plan to Vacation During Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned vacation plans upside down for Americans. Instead of booking flights to travel abroad, travelers are opting for road trips and extended stays at vacation homes and short-term rentals locally within the United States.

In order to find out how Americans have adjusted their vacation plans during Covid-19, we surveyed more than 2,000 people across the country.

Covid-19 Vacation Plans

Covid Vacations

A little more than one-quarter of respondents said they’ve already taken a vacation since Covid-19 and 20% have plans to take one. Others are either putting travel plans on hold (37%) or have opted for a “staycation” at home (15%).

It’s no surprise that the pandemic has impacted previously planned trips. According to respondents, 40% outright cancelled a vacation and 23% postponed their vacation.

Along with making changes to when they planned to travel, Americans have also made changes to how they will get to their destinations. Overall, 64% said they do not feel safe flying on a commercial airplane right now and one-third said they will wait until a vaccine is available to fly again.

Who’s Vacationed Since Covid-19? 

Despite the pandemic, many were determined to find time for relaxation and a vacation this summer. Of the 27% who have already taken a vacation, 28% took one in March while June was the second most popular month to travel (22%). A majority (52%) drove to their destination and of those, 72% decided to drive in order to avoid flying.

Travelers also were adaptable to the pandemic as 70% said they changed their destination due to the virus and 81% avoided large cities. As an extra precaution, 58% purchased travelers insurance for their vacation.

Accommodations for vacations were diverse. While hotels were the most popular (40%), Americans also stayed with family (18%), short-term rentals like Airbnb (16%) or their vacation homes (9%).

Americans were also staying longer at their destinations with 55% saying their vacation was longer than it normally would be.

Who’s Planning on Taking a Vacation? 

Similar to those who have already taken a vacation, Americans who are planning on taking a vacation are also choosing to drive rather than fly. Of the 50% who plan to drive to their destination, 74% are doing so in order to avoid flying.

Also, the trend of avoiding large cities seems to be continuing as 66% plan to vacation outside of large metro areas. Travelers are also keeping an eye on the virus situation before traveling and 85% said they’ll cancel or postpone their trip if cases spike in the area they plan to visit.

Covid-19 and Vacation Homes 

With trips abroad on hold and remote work becoming more common, Americans are taking the opportunity to utilize their vacation homes more often.

Overall, 81% of vacation homeowners said they’re spending more time at their property since Covid-19. This extra time is not only being spent relaxing, but also working. According to respondents, 85% said they’ve used their vacation home to work remotely since the pandemic began.

Covid-19 and PTO 

Vacation homeowners aren’t the only ones working on vacation this year. Overall, 43% said they’ve worked or are planning to work while on vacation and 59% have checked or plan to check work emails and communications on vacation.

While some are choosing not to fully unplug on vacation, others will be dreaming about a break from work. According to respondents, 56% will leave PTO on the table this year due to Covid-19.

However, nearly 50% said they would be more likely to take a vacation or an additional vacation this year if they receive another stimulus check.


If you have a vacation home or are planning on buying, click here to learn more about how a 1031 Exchange can help preserve your assets when selling and buying investment properties. Then read our How to Maximize 1031 Vacation and Rental Property During Pandemic Times for some timely suggestions.  Click here for more information about IPX1031, the nation’s largest 1031 Exchange intermediary.


Methodology

From July 8 – 10, 2020, we surveyed 2,027 Americans between the ages of 18-79. Forty-nine percent of respondents were male and 51% were female. According to respondents, 27% had taken a vacation since Covid-19 and 20% were planning on taking a vacation. The average age of respondents was 36 years old.

For media inquiries, contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net.

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