(Newswire.net — April 13, 2015) — New annual vacation spending survey from FatWallet.com reports that spending by Americans will be down slightly compared to 2014, although 81% said they will take vacations and 6 in 10 will do so this year. The US Travel Association report that U.S. firms have more than $224 billion of unused vacation time on their books. This accounts for $1,898 per employee of average liability. FatWallet’s travel study reveals that 42% will spend more than $1,500 on their next vacation (down from 46% in 2014), while 10% will spend more than $3,000 (down from 13% in 2014). Three fourths of vacationers said they either look online for travel deals or they use miles, points, cash back rewards and credit card offers to save the most money. Clothing and souvenirs are by far the most popular items they will purchase while traveling and prepping for vacation.
An accompanying INFOGRAPHIC, Travel Study Shows Vacations Are Trendy, is available for viewing featuring additional data.
Travel Survey results include:
How often do you go on vacation?
- 25% said More than once a year (32% in 2014)
- 33% said Once a year (27% in 2014)
- 6% said Every other year (6 in 2014)
- 17% said Every few years (18% in 2014)
- 19% said Never (17% in 2014)
How far in advance will you book your next vacation?
- 2% said Last Minute (2% in 2014)
- 12% said Less than 1 Month Ahead (15% in 2014)
- 60% said 1- 6 Months Ahead (48% in 2014)
- 14% said More 6 Months Ahead (11% in 2014)
- 12% said I do not book ahead, I go and take what’s available
Which resource has the most influence for finding vacation and travel information , opportunities or advice?
- 2% said Tourist Boards (5% in 2014)
- 5% said Travel Forums (28% in 2014)
- 4% said Travel Magazines (7% in 2014)
- 50% said Family and Friends (46% in 2014)
- 3% said Vacation Rental (FRBO, AirBnB, etc.)
- 6% said Travel Rewards/Points (8% in 2014)
How much do you plan to spend on your next vacation? (Select one)
- 58% said Less than $1500 (54% in 2014)
- 32% said $1501-$3000 (33% in 2014)
- 10% said More than $3000 (13% in 2014)
Of the following hotel amenities, which are important to you?
- 64% said Free Breakfast Buffet (67% in 2014)
- 69% said Free WiFi (72% in 2014)
- 265% said Free Parking (66% in 2014)
- 46% said Pool/Spa (49% in 2014)
- 13% said Pet Friendly (11% in 2014)
- 19% said Fitness Center (19% in 2014)
- 21% said Airport Shuttle (23% in 2014)
How will you book your next vacation?
- 22% said Travel Website (American, United, Ramada, Holiday Inn, etc.) (44% in 2014)
- 31% said Online Travel Agent (Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia, etc.)
- 6% said Local Travel Agent (7% in 2014)
- 7% said Coupon/Deal Website (14% in 2014)
- 2% said Cash Back Shopping Website (2% in 2014)
What are you most likely to use to help save on booking your next?
- 13% said Cash Back Rewards (13% in 2014)
- 16% said Miles or Points (18% in 2014)
- 39% said Special Online Offers and Deals (42% in 2014)
- 7% said Credit Card Offers (7% in 2014)
Which of these devices will you use to book your next vacation ?
- 74% said Computer/Laptop (83% in 2014)
- 7% said Tablet (4% in 2014)
- 7% said Smartphone (5% in 2014)
Which are you most likely to purchase for use on your next vacation?
- 12% said Luggage (12% in 2014)
- 26% said Swimwear (28% in 2014)
- 4% said Sports Equipment (5% in 2014)
- 55% said Clothing, shoes and accessories (58% in 2014)
- 28% said Health and Beauty items (30% in 2014)
- 10% said Electronics (smartphone, earbuds, camera, etc.) (8% in 2014)
Which are you most likely to shop for on a vacation?
- 55% said Souvenirs (65% in 2014)
- 34% said Clothes (39% in 2014)
- 13% said Jewelry (16% in 2014)
- 8% said Home Furnishings or Art (10% in 2014)
- 20% said Coupons for Local Activities (24% in 2014)
- 8% said Duty Free (12% in 2014)
Lastly, Half of Americans share their vacations on Facebook (70% for those under age 30).
Which way are you most likely to share your vacation with friends and family?
- 50% use Facebook
- 42% use email
- 14% use Instagram to share vacations (42% for those under age 30)
- 6% use Twitter (14% for those under age 30)
- 5% use the Cloud
- 5% use Youtube
FatWallet.com fields annual consumer surveys and is host to millions of savvy online shoppers looking for savings and cash back on most of the items they can purchase from more than 2,000 retialers. The site features hotel deals, car rental specials and vacation packages that include additional cash back savings from more than 100 of the top online travel sites, including Pricline, Orbitz and Expedia. The FatWallet forums and community offers insider information about current hot deals, personal finance and travel tips via the Travel Discussion forum.
*The national survey conducted online by TNS on behalf of FatWallet.com in April 2015 was fielded among 1,000 adults ages 18 or older. Contact inthenews@fatwallet.com for more travel data, insights and interviews. Photo courtesy of Dollarphotoclub (71467760)