A survey of the world's most experienced travelers shows that travelers are prioritizing leisure travel more than ever before, with the vast majority saying travel experiences are more important to them than material possessions. I think there is.
“People are changing their spending habits, taking advantage of remote work models and finding ways to travel more frequently and for longer periods of time,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “We are stepping up security measures to try and find him.” He is one of the world's leading providers of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and is a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
More than a third (39%) of travelers responding to the Spring 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Emotions and Safety Survey said travel is a higher priority now than it was before the pandemic. Three out of four respondents (75%) said travel experiences are more important than material possessions.
More than 70% of respondents said they were cutting back on discretionary spending to allow for more travel. Respondents are putting off purchases such as additional cars, vacation homes, tickets to sporting events, concerts and shows, jewelry, and fine dining. Research shows that some people are putting off starting a family or getting a pet in order to save up for a trip.
“New car sales are down, second home ownership has plummeted, jewelry purchases are down, and travel continues to increase above pre-pandemic levels. They’re getting stamps and memories that come with their daring travels,” Richards said.
According to the survey results, more than half (51%) of travel respondents plan to take more trips in 2024, 38% plan to take longer trips, and the same percentage (38%) compared to pre-pandemic levels. Plan to spend more money compared to action.
Travelers expect the travel surge to continue. Almost half of respondents (48%) believe that travel will continue to grow at a high level. More than a third (35%) said travel growth would be flat but still above pre-pandemic levels. Only one-fifth (20%) predicted that travel would level off and then fall below pre-pandemic levels.
*Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey – More than 1,900 current and former members surveyed April 16-20, 2024. Respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes, and preferences regarding current and future travel.
