Interesting article on Rasmussen's site - surprisingly low number of Americans take a summer vacation, and hardly any bother to leave the US.
Vanishing Vacations
52% Not Vacationing This Summer; 37% Not At All This Year
July 19, 2006
Whether you choose to catch some waves in Waikiki, cruise the Caribbean, swoosh down the slopes in Aspen, or simply catch up on the latest bestsellers next to the pool, a vacation can be the stuff dreams are made of—a needed escape from the daily grind of the real world.
However, many Americans these days seem to be testing the truth to the old adage about all work and no play. When asked if they will take a summer vacation this year, 52% of respondents to a recent Rasmussen Reports survey report having no plans for summer travel. Furthermore, more than a third of those surveyed (37%) say that they will not take a vacation at all this year.
Summer narrowly defeats fall as the favored time of year to vacation (33% to 25%) with spring (15%) and winter (11%) rounding out the results.
When they are able to take a break, Americans prefer to keep their vacations varied. Only 27% of those surveyed report returning to the same destination each year. The desire for diverse destinations tends to increase with age. Among individuals ages 18-29, 38% say they visit the same spot each year; that number drops to 22% among those 50-64 and 16% for the 65 and over crowd.
The beach rules for those who’ll be getting away this summer. Twenty-four percent (24%) of those surveyed will be hitting the surf during their summer respite. The beach ranks as the top summer vacation destination in all age categories, except those 65 and older, who prefer to stay home (30%) or visit relatives (29%) rather than soak up the sun (9%).
Regardless of how they chose to relax, the majority of summer vacationers will spend their leisure time—and money—within the United States. Only 6% plan to travel abroad for their summer holiday. |
