Americans’ Appetite for Travel in a Post-Pandemic World

With travel on hold right now, many Americans are eager to get out to explore the world, constantly looking forward to their next trip. Travel isn’t the only thing Americans are missing right now: Sporting events and concerts are canceled and theme parks are closed, leaving people itching for entertainment or adventure.

According to a poll by Mower, an independent marketing, advertising and public relations agency, most Americans may not feel comfortable returning to travel the day we are given the greenlight. Mower polled a random sampling of 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older regarding how comfortable they would be returning to various common activities when the restrictions are lifted. The survey revealed 60 days will pass before a majority of Americans feel comfortable returning to most travel-related activities.

When it comes to transportation, Americans are more likely to hit the open road than fly through the skies. Half of Americans will feel comfortable taking a vacation by car by Day 30 and it will be Day 60 before half will fly in a plane. Only 42 percent think they will travel internationally by Day 60 and 22 percent say they have never or would never venture beyond the United States.

As for accommodations, hotels will be more trusted than privately-owned vacation rentals. Only one in five Americans would feel comfortable staying in either a hotel or privately-owned vacation rental on Day 1; by Day 30, travelers are more likely to stay in a hotel; and by Day 60 Americans are 23 percent less likely to check into a hotel over a privately-owned rental.

When it comes to recreation and leisure activities, one in four Americans would head to the beach on Day 1, and, by Day 60, almost three in four would be comfortable at the beach. Theme parks, spas and casinos aren’t as promising as the beach; only one in seven Americans would feel comfortable returning Day 1 and roughly half by Day 60.