Traveler's Forecast 2004
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
February 25, 2003
As winter roars on and tax season gets into full swing, it seems we're ready to take stock--of our travel future, that is. This is the time when I count up all my vacation days. It's time to make a game plan. But it's no fun to be a focus group of one, so I turn to you to do the same. Ask not where you've been, but rather, where you are going?
Over 1,000 travelers took advantage of this opportunity in which "Ask Amy" turns the tables. Travelers let me know exactly where and how they plan to spend their leisure time in 2004. Here are some of the highlights of a 2004 traveler.
You call yourself a self-proclaimed bargain-hunter who spends about 75 percent of your leisure time away from home. Your vacation plan is exactly this: to relax and re-energize, to see family, and to see something new. It's a lot to cram in, but since you get two to three weeks of vacation a year, you can spread it around. Sometimes you visit a new place altogether, while other times you may take advantage of a new exhibit while you're spending time with relatives.
A continued trend this year will be taking last-minute trips, and when we say last minute, we mean it! These beauties are booked less than two weeks prior to departure, and about half of the travelers polled get away at a moment's notice. About 60 percent say they plan to take a local getaway at a nearby inn or hotel.
Naturally, those quick getaways don’t tell the whole story. Hawaii, Italy, and Australia rate as your top vacation "dream" spots. You travel internationally but more often, domestically. You've visited, on average, from three to five countries outside of the US.
Sometimes you're an escape artist, other times a road trip warrior. Either way, you're most likely to vacation with your spouse or mate, though many of you travel with family too. When you travel alone, it's most likely to visit friends. You may even love a roller coaster ride now and then, but very few of you consider yourselves thrill seekers.
All of this action tells me that the industry is looking up. Respondents plan to take the same number of trips as last year (or more) and will spend more too. Places showing growth include the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The top ways to spend leisure time are by going to the beach, taking a cruise, or doing something cultural.
If you're planning to take a reunion trip with your family, your girlfriends, or just the guys, you're not alone. Not surprisingly, on such trips, women primarily like to visit the spa or the beach, or go shopping or antiquing; men tend to golf and fish on their trips.
One thing this travel forecast shows for sure is that travel is back. As for me, I like it all. I think the best approach is to take lots of trips--some near, some far, some exotic, some simply comfortable. As you read this, I am—more-than-likely--basking in the sun and sipping something cool, relaxing on the high seas. I’m on vacation, returning March 10th with more travel inspirations, no doubt. But for now, I'm exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do--and yet, even as I’m enjoying this one, I can’t help but think about my next vacation . . ..
Gone Fishin'
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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