Decoding Summer Wanderlust: US Travel Trends and Insights

George Meshkov
6/11/2024

Sponsored by Generali Global Assistance

Each year, our global Summer Travel Survey, known as the Holiday Barometer, offers insights into upcoming travel trends. We delve into destination choices, budget allocations, preferred activities, and more, providing invaluable data for industry professionals to anticipate and cater to travelers’ needs.

As this summer season approaches, vacation rental professionals are gearing up to meet the evolving needs and preferences of travelers. In this article, we’ll explore the latest data and trends shaping the US travel landscape, offering valuable insights for vacation rental professionals seeking to capitalize on opportunities and enhance guest experiences.

Understanding Traveler Trends and Preferences

Our 2024 Holiday Barometer examines the evolving preferences of US travelers, shedding light on key trends shaping the vacation rental industry. This year, we observed a significant interest in vacation rentals, with 28% of US travelers considering this accommodation option for their summer getaways. This preference is driven by factors such as privacy, flexibility, and the allure of unique experiences.

Travel Budget

US travelers are allocating an average of $3,715 for their summer holiday expenditures. Budget considerations heavily influence destination choices, with 57% of respondents citing it as a crucial factor.

Method of Transportation

When it comes to getting around, US travelers primarily rely on planes (49%) and personal cars (47%). Convenience (51%) and familiarity (40%) are the primary drivers behind their transportation choices.

Preferred Locations

Seaside destinations continue to reign supreme among US travelers, followed closely by city trips and mountain retreats.

Capitalizing on Domestic Travel

Domestic travel is expected to lead the way this summer, with 56% of US travelers planning to explore destinations within the country. This presents a prime opportunity for vacation rental properties located in popular domestic locations to attract travelers seeking immersive experiences and authentic encounters. By highlighting the unique features and attractions of each destination, vacation rental professionals can position their properties as ideal accommodation choices for domestic travelers.

Embracing Flexibility

The rise of workation and flexcation experiences underscores the importance of flexibility in the vacation rental industry. With more individuals seeking remote work opportunities and extended stays, vacation rental properties can cater to this growing demand by offering amenities such as high-speed internet, designated workspaces, and leisure facilities. By adapting to changing travel patterns and preferences, vacation rental professionals can appeal to a wider range of guests and enhance the overall guest experience.

Exploring Emerging Travel Trends

As travelers seek more meaningful and immersive experiences, emerging travel trends such as slow tourism, well-being trips, and culinary tours are gaining popularity. Slow tourism, characterized by taking time to explore local history and culture while supporting the environment, offers opportunities for vacation rental properties to highlight their connection to the local community and promote sustainable tourism practices. Well-being trips, focused on health, relaxation, and personal rejuvenation, present an opportunity for vacation rental properties to offer wellness amenities and experiences that cater to the holistic needs of guests. Culinary tours, centered around local cuisine and gastronomic exploration, allow vacation rental properties to showcase the culinary delights of their destination and provide unique dining experiences for guests.

Importance of Travel Protection

With 42% of US travelers likely to purchase a travel protection plan for their next trip, having a travel protection partner you can trust is essential for both guests and vacation rental properties. Property management companies should partner with travel protection providers to ensure that guests have access to adequate coverage and assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances. By offering peace of mind and financial protection, travel protection enhances the overall guest experience and minimizes risks for both travelers and vacation rental properties.

Enhancing Guest Experience

Exceptional guest experience is key to fostering loyalty and positive reviews in the vacation rental industry. From personalized welcome packages to curated local recommendations, vacation rental professionals can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests. By anticipating guest needs and exceeding expectations, vacation rental properties can cultivate a loyal customer base and drive repeat bookings.

The Takeaway

As the summer season approaches, vacation rental professionals have an opportunity to capitalize on emerging travel trends and elevate the guest experience. By understanding traveler preferences, embracing flexibility, leveraging technology, prioritizing safety, and enhancing guest experience, vacation rental properties can position themselves for success in a competitive market landscape. By staying agile and responsive to evolving trends, vacation rental professionals can unlock new opportunities and create unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Offer Travel Protection from Generali Global Assistance

With commission earned on every plan purchased, easy-to-administer programs facilitated by in-house APIs, and 42% of travelers interested in buying it for their next trip, it’s a win-win across the board. Get started with us today.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Click here to explore more insights from our 2024 Holiday Barometer and access additional data and resources to stay ahead of the travel industry trends.

About Generali Global Assistance

When you partner with Generali Global Assistance, you’re working with a company with more than 30 years of experience and backed by one of the world’s largest insurance providers. Our success is built on our reputation for assisting travelers in the most difficult of circumstances and delivering vacation rental protection solutions designed to meet your needs.

Survey Methodology

The 2024 edition of the Holiday Barometer from Europ Assistance and Ipsos—a world-renowned market research firm—was conducted in 21 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. In each country, 1,000 consumers aged 18 years and older took part in an online questionnaire. The survey was conducted between March 27 and April 22, 2024, and investigated consumer holiday plans and travel preferences.

Travel insurance coverages are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231, for the operating name used in certain states, and other important information about the Travel Insurance & Assistance Services Plan, please see Important Disclosures.

---