Top travel concerns for Americans revealed: Loud conversation with fellow passengers heads the list, accompanied by additional survey findings
As the holiday season approaches, American travelers are grappling with a unique set of challenges that are influencing their travel plans. Financial and economic concerns top the list, with many citing personal finances and inflation as reasons for altering their travel plans [1]. Economic uncertainty has led 64% of travelers to change their plans, with many opting for lower-cost trips closer to home, taking fewer trips, or even canceling travel altogether [1].
One significant factor contributing to these changes is the high cost of air travel. Thirty-nine percent of travelers are reconsidering flying due to price, with 43% opting to drive instead [1].
Safety and anxiety are also significant concerns, especially for international travel. Recent surveys found that four in ten Americans are rethinking their vacation due to perceived unsafety [3]. Top concerns include potential delays and cancellations (42%), means of travel (40%), government policies (40%), how American tourists are viewed abroad (39%), and the risk of injury (31%) [3]. Only 28% of Americans traveled internationally in the past year, largely due to these anxieties [3].
In terms of trip planning, a focus on budgeting, unique experiences, and travel insurance is on the rise. Many travelers are adjusting their habits by selecting less expensive destinations, booking in advance for discounts, and taking multiple smaller, nearby trips instead of a single large vacation [1]. A TripAdvisor survey highlights that 83% of travelers prioritize unique experiences and activities when planning trips, suggesting a move toward experience-driven rather than purely destination-driven travel [1]. With rising anxieties, 65% of travelers are considering travel insurance for their next trip, and 32% consider it their top travel "hack" [3].
The average vacation cost in the US is about $1,986 per person per week, but actual spending varies widely by destination, type of accommodation, and season [2]. Many travelers are actively budgeting down their trips due to economic pressures, choosing more affordable options and staying closer to home [1].
| Concern | Prevalence/Insights | |-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial/Economic Insecurity | 39% personal finance, 35% inflation, 64% changing plans[1] | | Safety/Anxiety (especially international) | 40% reconsidering trips, 30% nervous about abroad[3] | | Planning Approach | Budget-driven, activity-focused, insurance on rise[1][3] | | Average Spending | $1,986 per person per week, $50–$100 daily, $58 food/day[2] |
As Americans navigate these challenges, it's essential to prioritize understanding travel insurance, as 40% of travelers are only somewhat knowledgeable about what it covers [4]. Despite these concerns, Americans are continuing to travel and spend on travel despite economic uncertainty and rising prices.
References: [1] Statista (2022) [2] Travel Pulse (2022) [3] The Points Guy (2022) [4] Travel Insider (2022)
- Many Americans are altering their travel plans due to financial concerns, with personal finances and inflation being the primary reasons.
- Economic uncertainty has caused 64% of travelers to change their travel plans, with a significant number opting for cheaper trips, taking fewer trips, or canceling them entirely.
- Thirty-nine percent of travelers are reconsidering flying due to high costs, with 43% opting to drive instead.
- Safety and anxiety, especially for international travel, are significant concerns for four in ten Americans, with perceived unsafety being the main reason for reconsidering vacations.
- As Americans prioritize budgeting, unique experiences, and travel insurance for their travel, 65% of travelers are considering travel insurance for their next trip, and 32% consider it their top travel "hack".
