The Economy is Not Curtailing Vacation Plans, with Most Consumers Worldwide Planning to Spend as Much or More on Their Travels This Year than Last, According to New SSI Research

SHELTON, Conn., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of lingering economic fears, more than 60% of consumers around the world are planning to spend as much or more on their vacations this year as they did on their last getaways, according to new research with Survey Sampling International's (SSI) global online panels.  The Chinese and Singaporeans are most likely to be increasing their vacation budgets, with almost half of respondents in those countries anticipating spending more on their upcoming vacations.  In addition, about a third of New Zealanders and Australians are investing more this year in their vacation plans.  In contrast, just 10% of American and Japanese consumers, 11% of French consumers and 12% of German consumers plan to boost their vacation spend.

Although there appears to be widespread optimism around vacation planning, there are many consumers who are actively cutting their vacation budgets.  Almost a third of French respondents and a quarter of UK and South Korean participants say that they will spend less on their next vacations than their last.  Japan (23%), the US (22%) and Germany (20%) also have many consumers looking to spend less on their upcoming trips than in the past.  

"Despite economic concerns, the chance to get away remains important for consumers around the globe—and they are finding ways to fit vacations into their budgets," says Mark Hardy, Chief Strategy Officer/Managing Director, Americas for SSI.  "In fact, our research shows that more than three-quarters of our respondents plan to stay overnight at destinations for their vacations, rather than staying home.  When we take money out of the equation, almost 90% say they'd prefer traveling to staying home.  Clearly, people worldwide share the need for a change of scenery and an escape from their daily routines—even when money is tight."    

Consumers in Asia-Pacific seem to be particularly likely to travel during their vacations, with about 90% of Chinese and Singaporeans and 85% of Australians, South Koreans and New Zealanders planning overnight trips.  The Japanese seem to be the anomaly, with just 41% planning to leave home for vacations.  In Europe, the British (79%) and French (74%) are most likely to travel on their holidays.  Almost 70% of American consumers also are planning to leave home for vacation.

SSI's findings are based on a study of 5,000+ adults on its online panels planning to take vacations longer than four days.  Countries covered include the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore  SSI offers extensive worldwide reach to support survey research through SSI Dynamix™, its dynamic sampling platform that links to its own online panels, as well as Web sites, social media, affiliate partnerships and more.

Most Consumers Plan to Stay in Their Own Countries—and Look forward to Relaxing

While respondents like to travel, more than half plan to do it within their own countries.  American and Japanese consumers are most likely to stay within their own borders, with 82% of respondents in each country saying they are more likely to travel domestically.  A high percentage of South Korean (80%), French (68%) and Australian (62%) consumers also plan to travel in their own countries.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, the majority of Singaporeans (90%), Germans (60%), British (58%) and Chinese (53%) are looking forward to international trips.

Whatever type of vacations consumers plan to take, the adjectives they use most often to describe their ideal getaways are relaxing (48%), memorable (39%), restful (29%), fun (27%), entertaining (24%) and interesting (23%).  Conversely, quiet (12%), adventurous (11%), long (8%) and productive (4%) are not popular choices for describing the perfect vacation.  

Americans and Japanese Most Likely to Skip Vacations

US (37%) and Japanese (33%) consumers are most likely to say they don't take vacations that are longer than four days.  About a quarter of Germans also do not get away for at least four days at a time.  The Chinese are least likely to miss out on taking time off, with just 7% saying they don't take vacations at least four days long.

About Survey Sampling International

Survey Sampling International (www.surveysampling.com) is the premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. SSI reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone and mobile/wireless.  Client services include questionnaire design consultation, programming and hosting, and data processing.  SSI serves more than 2,000 clients, including 48 of the top 50 research organizations. Founded in 1977, SSI has 17 offices in 15 countries.

SOURCE Survey Sampling International