Hotels.com Reveals Top Summer Travel Trends
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
With the recession underway, it's easy to believe that many people will be resorting to a 'staycation' in hopes of saving money on travel expenses. However, a recent survey from Hotels.com reveals otherwise. According to the survey that polled U.S. adults planning their summer vacation in 2009, 63 percent are still planning on booking a vacation at a hotel or resort, while 33 percent plan to stay with friends and family. While most people are aware that traveling this summer will be more expensive than it was last year, many are willing to pay a premium for their getaway regardless. Getting away for a break may continue to drive demand for traveling miles away from home for the remainder of the summer.
Carl Sparks, general manager of Hotels.com, also points out that many properties are offering great rates and packages for travelers who want to save on their summer vacation. Compared to last year, some hotels and resorts are even offering lower prices than previous seasons just to attract more travelers. And, some are offering more than just cheap hotel rates. Other incentives include free breakfast and meal credits, a spa credit, gift cards that can be used on the property, and complimentary nights for a future stay. The Hotels.com report also shows that 87 percent of adults surveyed felt that a complimentary breakfast was their favorite perk when traveling and 52 percent of travelers were keeping an eye out for more perks and benefits than they did last year.
Coupled with lower gas prices and cheap flights, a summer vacation may be a viable option for many travelers this season, even those who are on a budget. Still, it pays to shop around for the best deals, check for the latest rates and price alerts online, and to book a vacation at a destination that is in its off season.