Qtrip Survey Finds Majority of Americans Planning to Travel Soon, But Two-Thirds Remain Concerned about COVID-19
Qtrip's Consumer Travel Survey finds plenty of wanderlust in America but ongoing concern about how to travel safely
LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel booking platform Qtrip today released the results of its 2020 Consumer Travel Survey, which gauged people's travel plans and comfort level amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 4,755 respondents from Qtrip's subscriber list took the survey and offered insight into the consumer mindset right now. The results show that although most Americans plan to travel within the next four months, the overwhelming majority remain concerned about exposure to COVID-19 while travelling.
"There is intense wanderlust in America right now, but a lot more lust than actual wandering," said Jeff Klee, CEO of Qtrip. "After all this, the thought of flying to a beach somewhere with my family makes me want to cry, it sounds so great, but now is not the time. When it is, Qtrip will be ready to help."
Since COVID-19 lockdowns began in mid-March, the American travel scene has changed dramatically. Air travel dropped by more than 96 percent at the peak of the pandemic in April and has since begun to rebound. However, data from TSA checkpoints suggest that, as of late June, U.S. airports continue to see only 20 to 25 percent of their 2019 passenger numbers. Even as COVID-19 cases surge in a number of states, the travel rebound continues, leading to renewed closures and lockdowns at hot destinations.
In Qtrip's survey, 34 percent of respondents said they plan to travel starting this summer, while another 21 percent plan to travel by fall. 24 percent of Americans remain unsure of when they'll resume traveling, and the remainder are aiming for this upcoming winter or spring. Nearly 69 percent of the respondents say they are concerned for their health while traveling during the pandemic.
Travel plans are likely to revolve around seeing family and friends. 58 percent of respondents said they are looking forward to reuniting with family, and 15 percent are excited to see friends. Just 0.78 percent feel the same way about their coworkers (Zoom burnout?).
An important factor in travel will be cost. 60 percent of respondents said they are now on a tighter budget as a result of the crisis. That, combined with health concerns and the uncertainty of international travel restrictions, is likely one reason why 53 percent are extremely likely or very likely to go on a domestic vacation, versus only 36 percent for an international vacation. The closing of borders to Americans and the threat of being quarantined or sent home are likely factors as well.
When asked about the first places they'd visit after social distancing was lifted, respondents came up with colorful answers. The usual list of hot destinations in Europe, Central America, and Southeast Asia showed up many times on the list. Other hot spots included bars and pubs, barbers and hairdressers, restaurants, gyms, and casinos. A public service announcement to the respondent who wrote Buffalo Wild Wings: they do takeout, although we know that cannot replicate the authenticity of the sit-down experience.
Visit Qtrip to view all the results from Qtrip's Consumer Travel Survey.
About Qtrip
Qtrip is a new travel booking platform that offers improved choice, transparency, help and payment flexibility. Headquartered in Southern California, Qtrip helps you find quality trips at better values. Qtrip is the first website of its kind to demystify seat classes, hidden costs and in-flight amenities. It's also the only platform that accepts both cryptocurrencies and monthly payments. And whether you're at home and need some extra help with your trip planning, or stuck in a faraway airport terminal, our team of in-house, U.S.-based travel advisors has your back.
Contact:
Melanie Swan
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SOURCE Qtrip
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