Will Americans spend on summer holidays?

By Gareth Watson | July 16, 2012 | Last updated on July 16, 2012
2 min read

The kids are out of school and summer vacations are already under way.

In the U.S., domestic consumption has historically been a large contributor to economic growth, so the country is more likely to see a decline in holiday spending due to current economic conditions.

However, according to SpringHill Suites Third Annual Vacation Attitude Survey conducted by TNS, “92% of Americans will hop into cars, planes, buses and boats in the upcoming months to spend quality time with loved ones.”

Read: Have a safe trip with travel insurance

While the survey was commissioned by a hotel chain under the Marriott banner, the results do show that Americans may not scale back holidays this year (other than staying in the U.S.), which is a positive for U.S. consumption.

There were other facts in the survey we found interesting: despite higher gas prices, 84% of Americans report they are not changing their vacations plans for the summer. The internet has become the go-to source for planning holidays, especially through social media, and 58% of respondents said they will use at least one online travel site to read reviews, book accommodations, find deals or scan guidebooks.

Unfortunately, some people just don’t know how to relax on holidays: the survey revealed nearly one-half of employed vacationers will check work e-mail when on the road, with 53% completely unplugging.

Read: Make the most out of cottage season

In another survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association in April, about 64% of U.S. adults, or 154 million people, are planning at least one leisure trip over the summer and into the fall. This figure is up from 56% last year.

So, while the U.S. economy struggles with its recovery, it would appear as though Americans are trying their best not to let the economic headwinds get in the way of their summer fun.

Gareth Watson