Exploring Summer 2024 Travel Trends and Behaviors

Key Takeaways

Budget impacts travel length and accommodation choices, with a divide between more economical local trips and more elaborate vacations.
Destination preferences vary by region, with U.K. travelers more inclined toward international trips, while those in the U.S. and Canada are more likely to explore domestically.
Dining habits indicate a preference for eating out to enjoy local food and experiences, with a notable proportion of travelers utilizing food delivery services for convenience during their trips.

Access All Stats & Findings from Sago’s 2024 Travel Omnibus Survey

The travel landscape is in constant motion, driven by changing economic climates, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior. Our most recent edition in the Omnibus Survey Series explores these trends through the perspectives of over 5000 adults from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The report sheds light on these dynamics by examining how individuals are altering their travel plans based on their current financial situations. Continue reading to take a deep dive into the trends shaping the industry this summer.

Travel Budget Trends: A Comparative Insight

Our report shows that travelers are splitting into two camps based on their budgets, leading to some interesting trends. It is of particular note that a third of respondents have a lower budget compared to last year. Those with that lower budget tend to keep their trips local and brief, hitting the road in their own cars, and bunking with buddies, family, or under the stars to keep costs down. Even with a decrease in budget, nearly two-thirds of respondents are still taking a vacation this summer, decreasing with age.

On the flip side, those who do have a higher budget than last year are expanding their travel horizons by planning longer vacations and staying in hotels or motels to soak up the extra comfort. It’s clear that when it comes to travel, budget dictates whether it’s a short hop or a long haul and where travelers unpack their bags.

Travel Plans: Duration, Destinations, & Accommodations

Diving into vacation plans, the report uncovered interesting trends on how long people are vacationing, where they’re headed, and where they decide to sleep at night. Most travelers are sticking to their usual vacation timeframe from last year, but there’s a portion who are cutting their vacations a bit short. Those in the U.K., however, are taking the longest vacations, 2 days more than those in the U.S. on average.

When it comes to picking a destination, U.K. travelers are all about stamping their passports for an international adventure, while Americans and Canadians are more likely to explore their own backyard. When it comes to stays, hotels are winning by a landslide as the go-to spot for travelers to drop their luggage and rest. However, some participants opt for alternative accommodations, choosing to stay with friends or family, secure a rental property, or embrace the outdoors by going camping.

Dining Preferences: Cooking VS. Eating Out VS. Food Delivery

Dining trends during travel also reveal fascinating insights. A third of respondents prefer not to cook at their destination, opting instead for the convenience of dining out. Most plan to eat at restaurants daily or more frequently, enjoying local cuisine and unique dining experiences. Additionally, about a third of travelers intend to use food delivery apps at least weekly, underscoring the growing trend of convenience in travel dining preferences.

Final Thoughts

Our report highlights how economic factors influence travel planning and behaviors. Budget constraints distinctly shape the type and duration of vacations people choose. The stark contrast in travel plans based on budget highlights the adaptive nature of the industry and the travelers within it. Whether it’s a local escape or an international journey, the quest for unique dining experiences and comfortable accommodations unites travelers.

For businesses in the industry, understanding these patterns can help tailor offerings that match the current demands of travelers, whether it’s promoting local travel packages to those with tighter budgets or luxurious, extended vacations for those looking to splurge.

At Sago, we continue to provide pivotal data that helps industries align with consumer trends, and the findings from this latest survey are no exception. As we look toward the future of travel, staying informed with such data will be key to navigating the ongoing changes in the travel sector.