The ‘or not’ is because the AAA, the largest car-and-travel organization in the U.S., has a survey that says 42% of Americans are planning a vacation in 2017. More than half are not.
But for those who go, AAA has found a pattern: We like to be warm, and warm-weather destinations dominate. Internationally, 3 of the top 5 destinations, based on AAA’s surveys and boopkings, come with beaches: Punta Cana, DR, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Nassau in the Bahamas. Only Rome and London broke the monopoly.
Domestically, the sweep is complete: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Anaheim, Miami, Las Vegas. If they’re not all sandy, they’re certainly sunny.
The auto club also noted some other trends
- ‘Experential travel’, with experiences that allow more connection to local cultures and people.
- Canada continues to grow as a destination. It;s close, the currency rates make it relatively cheap, and Canada is offering free access to its parks this year to celebrate its 150th anniversary
- Speaking of parks, the U.S. National Parks, coming off their 100th anniversary last year, are still a big attraction.
- River cruising, both in Europe and in the U.S. is changing from its image of attractive mainly to older travelers; millenials seem to be taking to it
- And the ‘I’ appeal of low fares to Iceland and Ireland may help those countries to a bigger share of the U.S. traveler market.
