From road trips and beach escapes to dream destinations and staycations, we asked NCP panelists how they like to get away. Whether you’re a careful planner, or more spontaneous, here’s a look at how fellow panelists vacation.
Getaway Basics: The who, what and how often of vacationing
Vacation frequency varies among panelists.
– 33% vacation about once a year
– 25% vacation several times a year
– 24% vacation every few years
– 18% never take vacations
Beach and resort escapes top the vacation wish list.
– 34% enjoy relaxing at a beach or resort
– 23% visit family or friends
– 22% like to explore a new city
– 21% prefer the outdoors or nature
Planning the trip: From ideas to itineraries
Most travelers like a plan with room to be flexible.
– 52% plan important details but leave some flexibility
– 26% plan almost everything well in advance
– 14% keep plans loose and decide as they go
– 6% have someone else do the planning
– 2% love spontaneous last-minute getaways
Packing usually starts a day or two before departure.
– 46% pack a day or two before leaving
– 34% make a list and pack well ahead of time
– 14% pack way more than they need
– 6% wait until the last minute
Getting there and staying there
How do panelists travel and where do they rest their heads?
Road trips are the preferred way to get there.
– 50% travel by car
– 39% travel by plane
– 6% travel by boat or ship
– 3% travel in an RV or camper
– 2% take a train or a bus
Hotels are the top choice for vacation stays.
– 42% choose a hotel or motel
– 20% prefer a resort or all-inclusive
– 14% stay with family or friends
– 14% choose a condo or rental hoome
– 4% stay in a bed and breakfast or inn
– 4% prefer a camper or RV
– 2% choose a tent or cabin
Pace and company: How panelists like to spend their time
The ideal vacation pace blends sightseeing with downtime.
– 57% enjoy a mix of sightseeing and downtime
– 17% relax with very little scheduled
– 15% have no plan and just go with the flow
– 11% like their vacation busy and packed with activities
Most panelists prefer vacationing with a partner or family.
– 43% travel with a spouse or partner
– 38% travel with family
– 12% vacation with friends
– 7% prefer traveling solo
Memories and post-trip mood: The souvenirs and what comes next
Souvenir shopping tends to be selective.
– 40% only buy something if it really catches their eye
– 24% always bring home a souvenirs or two for themselves
-20% usually buy something for family or friends
– 16% rarely or never buy souvenirs
For most travelers, coming home feels pretty good.
– 46% are happy to be home
– 23% are sad that it’s over but happy that they went
– 18% wish they could have stayed longer
– 13% are already thinking about the next trip
Dream Getaways
What are the trips panelists dream about? How do they feel about staycations?
A free vacation would send panelists in many different directions.
– 30% would choose a country outside the U.S. they’ve always wanted to visit
– 29% would choose a U.S. destination they’ve always wanted to visit
– 17% would book a cruise to multiple destinations
– 13% would pick a tropical island or beach paradise
– 8% would take a safari or other once-in-a-lifetime adventure
– 3% would choose a remote or off-the-beaten path destination
Staycations get a mixed, but generally positive, reaction.
– 28% enjoy them occasionally.
– 26% love them and find staying close to home just as relaxing
– 24% would rather travel somewhere
– 22% have never really taken a staycation
Thanks for taking this “trip” with us! That’s it for this edition of In The Know. What do you think of the survey results from our panel members? I’d love to hear about your vacation style, leave me a comment and let me know how your habits compare!
Regards,
Taylor
📌Blog comment reminder: For help with panel-related issues (such as scanning or rewards), please contact our Panel Support Center directly at 1-800-962-6700, [email protected], or via NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t post panel-related issues or share personal information in the blog comments. Thank you!
Recent Comments