Moms Grow Optimistic, but Remain Frugal, About Family Vacation

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More moms are comfortable about taking time off work for family vacation this year, but they're still watching their purse strings, according to a national survey.

Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of the employed moms are optimistic about taking all of their paid vacation days, up from only 57 percent last year. Just as last year, however, most plan to pay for vacations out of current resources instead of using credit.

Conducted by Nashville-based WhyMomsRule.com, the poll of 634 women – equally spread among Generation Y, Generation X and baby boomers and all with at least one child at home – showed moms continue to book travel close to date of departure, but 26 percent still book three to six months out.

WhyMomsRule.com is a blog that tracks trends affecting moms and their buying habits. David Bohan, chairman and CEO of BOHAN, an advertising and marketing firm, created it.

"Moms are pocketbook prudent when it comes to travel," Bohan said. "They're taking the long view, declaring the importance of family vacations while being careful how they pay for them."

Almost half of the moms in all three generations plan to purchase vacation with monthly savings (44 percent of baby boomers and Gen X, 46 percent of Gen Y), followed by tax refunds (28 percent for Gen Y and X and 11 percent for boomers). This cash mentality mirrors last year's feelings.

Much smaller percentages were willing to "put it on plastic" (14 percent for Gen Y, 21 percent for Gen X and 30 percent for baby boomers).

Summer remains the preferred travel season (61 percent for this year, 57 percent last year), but spring is growing (32 percent this year versus 24 percent in 2010).

Gen Y moms particularly are more optimistic. Last year, 24 percent said the economy would keep their families at home, but that has dropped to 17 percent.

Sacrifice remains a theme, but there's been a shift. Last year, moms expected yearlong sacrifices to make vacation affordable. This year, there is slightly more emphasis on being frugal while actually on vacation. (Example: 42 percent last year expected to cut back on restaurant dining all year, but that has dropped to 33 percent.)

Two signs of optimism involved flying and choosing new vacation destinations. The number of moms opting to fly instead of drive grew from 28 to 36 percent, while more moms are looking for new destinations (up from 25 to 32 percent).

One destination that drew significant national attention last year was the Gulf Coast during the BP oil spill, and moms were paying attention.

More than half (57 percent) think it's safe to visit the Gulf Coast again, and baby boomers were the most confident (62 percent). However, the numbers dropped when it comes to letting their own children swim there. Thirty-eight percent don't want their kids in the water, while 30 percent aren't sure; 32 percent think it's OK to dive in.

"Consumers have long memories about travel destination disasters. Destination marketers have a long road to travel to educate people about current facts – long after the original trauma is gone," Bohan said.

The survey was conducted Jan. 14-17. It has a 4 percent margin of error at a 96 percent confidence level.

Nashville-based BOHAN is a full-service advertising and marketing agency with major clients in tourism, health care and consumer goods. Information is at www.BohanIdeas.com.

SOURCE WhyMomsRule.com