Report: Americans miss travel so much, it’s taking an emotional toll
In a new Amex Trendex report, American Express found that U.S. consumers are seriously missing travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic — so much so that it’s begun taking a real emotional toll on them.
Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) reported that the inability to travel at present is causing them to feel anxious and stressed, and 3 out of 4 respondents (78%) cited travel as one of the activities that they’re most yearning for.
With summer drawing to an end and no end to COVID-19 in sight, Americans nonetheless remain reluctant to take up traveling again, with only 10% of those surveyed saying they plan to travel over Labor Day weekend.
Only 20% said they’re currently planning to travel for Thanksgiving.
In terms of their considerations when planning future travel, some key consumer insights also emerged from the study:
■ When restrictions are finally lifted and it’s actually considered safe to travel again, 67% said that they’d still prefer to travel with members of their households, with whom they’ve been cooped up at home for several months, to going by themselves (10%).
■ While 4 in 5 consumers prefer to make their reservations online themselves, they also want direct access to speak with a real person who can help as needed.
■ Social distancing concerns also prevail, with 6 in 10 of respondents saying they’d pay more to travel on a plane or train that leaves every other seat open.
■ A quarter of those surveyed cited increased flexibility, in terms of booking changes and refunds, as the most important factor in planning future travel, followed by the 19% who pointed to cleanliness standards as their foremost concern.