Families Abroad: Who Goes?

While there is no specific data on the percentage of families that travel abroad, we can infer from the available data that a significant number of families do so. According to a survey, 85% of families are very likely to travel with their children in the next 12 months, indicating a strong desire for family travel. Additionally, in 2023, the number of American citizens travelling overseas increased by over 10 million compared to the previous year, suggesting a recovery in international travel post-pandemic.

However, it is important to note that family travel plans can be influenced by various factors such as budget constraints, safety concerns, and travel restrictions. For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families may still be cautious about international travel due to health risks and uncertainties.

Overall, it is safe to assume that a considerable percentage of families do travel abroad, but this percentage can fluctuate based on external factors and may vary across different regions and demographics.

87% of Americans preferred domestic travel in 2022

A 2022 survey by property broker company Pacaso revealed that 87% of Americans preferred domestic travel. The survey included 1,000 Americans from every adult generation, taking into account factors like age, gender, education level, political affiliation, and ethnicity.

Travel Preferences by Age Group

The survey found that travel preferences varied across generations, with younger respondents expressing a higher preference for international travel. Among those aged 18-29, 26% considered travelling to another country a high priority, while only 15% of 30-44-year-olds shared this view. The preference for international travel decreased further with age, with respondents aged 45 and above prioritizing domestic travel.

Reasons for Travelling

The survey also revealed that older travellers were more likely to travel to visit family and friends. Around 38% of all respondents named this as their primary reason for travelling, with the percentage increasing to 53% for those aged 65 and above. In contrast, younger respondents prioritized relaxation, with 29% of 18-29-year-olds favouring relaxing vacations over visiting family and friends (27%).

Impact of Inflation

Inflation in gas prices, car rentals, and flight cancellations have also contributed to changing travel preferences, with many Americans now opting for domestic travel. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted family travel, with 49% of families reporting changes in their travel behaviours due to the pandemic.

Family Travel Statistics

Family travel statistics from 2023 show that while 85% of families are likely to travel with their children in the next 12 months, 43% remain cautious about travelling. Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have influenced budgeting for travel, with families seeking all-inclusive resorts to better manage their expenses.

26% of people aged 18-29 said travelling to another country was a high priority

Travelling to another country is a high priority for 26% of people aged 18-29. This is in contrast to only 15% of 30-44-year-olds, and even fewer people in the 45-64 and 65+ age groups. This may be because the 30-44 age group is more likely to have children, making international travel more complicated and expensive.

The younger generation's preference for international travel is also reflected in their reasons for travelling. While older travellers prioritize visiting family and friends, 18-29-year-olds slightly favour relaxation vacations (29%) over visiting family (27%). This age group is also the most likely to cite travelling out of state as a motivator (44%), and almost half wish their trips were longer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international travel. In March 2021, around 3 million American citizens travelled outside the country, which is far below the roughly 8 million who did so in March 2019. However, this number represents a significant increase from the low point in the late spring of 2020, when only around 1 million Americans left the country.

Despite the pandemic, international travel is something that 71% of US adults have done at some point in their lives, according to a June 2021 survey. This varies widely across demographic groups. Income plays a significant role, with almost half (48%) of those earning less than $30,000 a year not having left the country, compared to only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. Education level also makes a difference, with 37% of those with some college education or less not having travelled internationally, compared to only 7% of college graduates.

43% of families are still cautious about travelling

While the pandemic put a halt to family travel, the industry is recovering well, with 85% of families looking to travel in the next 12 months. However, 43% of families are still cautious about travelling, and their behaviours have changed to provide more security when booking vacations.

The Covid-19 pandemic has cost the global tourism industry $935 billion, and families are now more cautious about travelling. The pandemic triggered a change in travel behaviours for 49% of families, with 67% now checking cancellation policies and 47% buying travel insurance.

The cost of travel has increased, and inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are impacting how families budget for travel. Families are looking for all-inclusive options to help them balance their budgets, and 41% place greater value on cleanliness and hygiene.

Families are also opting for destinations closer to home to save money, and are looking for bargains and better value for money. They are willing to use travel agents to help manage bookings and provide travel information, and to ensure cancellation policies are in place.

67% of families check cancellation policies when booking

Families are eager to travel again after the 2020 pandemic, with 85% planning to travel in the next 12 months. However, 43% of families are still cautious about travelling, and their booking behaviours have changed to provide them with more security.

Cancellation Policies and Family Travel

67% of families now check cancellation policies when booking vacations. This shift in behaviour is a direct result of the pandemic, with families wanting to ensure they are protected should they need to cancel their trip. It is important for travel companies to recognise this change and adapt their policies and marketing strategies to cater to this new priority for families.

Cancellation policies are an inevitable part of the hospitality industry. Unexpected events can alter travel plans, and it is in the best interest of both guests and businesses to have clear cancellation policies in place. Guests need to know what to expect regarding refunds, and businesses need to protect their revenue. Well-defined cancellation policies can reduce surprises and increase guest satisfaction, while also ensuring businesses are covered financially.

Cancellation policies can vary, from fully flexible policies that allow free cancellation during a specified time frame before check-in, to non-refundable policies where guests won't receive their money back if they cancel. Customised policies can also be created, allowing guests to cancel for free up to a certain number of days before arrival, with specified charges for cancellations made after that point.

Impact of Inflation and Cost-of-Living Crisis

In addition to checking cancellation policies, families are also facing challenges due to the impact of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Many are opting for all-inclusive resorts to help manage their budgets and avoid overspending. This allows families to have a clear idea of their expenses and provides a sense of security in uncertain economic times.

To summarise, 67% of families now prioritise checking cancellation policies when booking travel, reflecting a shift in behaviour due to the pandemic. This trend has important implications for the travel industry, which must adapt to meet the changing needs and priorities of family travellers.

27% of Americans will look for travel options closer to home

A large majority of Americans (71%) have travelled abroad at some point in their lives, according to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center. However, 27% of Americans have not, and in the wake of the pandemic, 27% say they will look for travel options closer to home.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought family travel to a halt, but now that travel restrictions have ended, 85% of families are looking to travel in the next 12 months. Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are impacting how families budget for travel, and many are opting for all-inclusive resorts to keep track of their spending.

In 2022, 87% of Americans surveyed said they preferred travelling domestically over going abroad. This preference for domestic travel was especially pronounced in older age groups. While 26% of 18-29-year-olds prioritised international travel, only 15% of 30-44-year-olds felt the same. This may be because older age groups are more likely to have children, making international travel more complicated and expensive.

The pandemic has also changed the way people book travel. In 2023, 72% of travellers said they preferred to book their trips online, compared to only 12% who preferred using a travel agency. Online booking is preferred because it is faster, easier to compare prices, and better for finding cheaper deals.

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