Revenge travel? Americans flying worldwide to ‘get back at’ pandemic restrictions

NEW YORK — Is “revenge travel” the new way to vacation? A survey of 2,000 Americans who have traveled internationally in the last 14 months revealed 66 percent have a desire to “revenge travel” — meaning they want to travel more in spite of feeling like they missed out on time and experiences due to the pandemic.

Respondents are making the most of the return to travel, as many travel restrictions have lifted, with 57 percent of Americans saying they were able to take a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure in 2022.

For those who did, this included seeing something or someone who may not be around in 10 years (22%), using a travel agent to take the stress out of traveling (21%), and traveling to where their family is originally from (21%). Whether it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure or not, the survey found that Americans were generally positive about any travel experience in the past 14 months.

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They have the same sentiment toward future travels, too. After the pause on international travel, 80 percent say they need a vacation in 2023 more than ever before.

Commissioned by Exodus Travels and conducted by OnePoll, results revealed that 77 percent have felt more like themselves, as a result of their recent travels. Another 80 percent feel ​​that returning to travel in the past 14 months has been good for their soul and for their well-being.

Traveling still worth all the hassle

That doesn’t mean their trip was perfect. Changing COVID-19 restrictions forced some respondents to reschedule (37%), while others dealt with lost luggage (35%), or delayed and canceled flights (31%).

However, the good news is that even of those who faced issues while traveling, 84 percent believe their trip was still completely worth it — and 85 percent say that, despite any difficulties, they’d happily do it all over again if given the chance.

“To travel and discover, to explore new places, meet new people, encounter different cultures and experience nature’s wild beauty is in our DNA,” says Andy Crang, Exodus Travels Marketing Director, in a statement. “Television, movies, social media, books … these were all great substitutes while travel was on pause, but for many of us getting out in the world and setting out on new adventures is an intrinsic part of who we are.”

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“So, despite some of the challenges that this post-pandemic return to travel has thrown at us — the flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage, long line-ups, etc. — the results of this poll tell us that the joy of 2022 and 2023 travel and the happiness it brings with it far outweighs any hiccups we encounter along the way.”

revenge travel

Book now, plan later

Not only are American adventurers reflecting fondly on their past trips, but many are already thinking about the future. The majority of respondents already have another international trip (71%) and a domestic trip (65%) planned for the coming years. Another 77 percent of Americans surveyed would recommend that others start traveling again, too.

Respondents were asked what advice they’d share with others, who are planning trips. The top piece of advice? Book now, to take advantage of many airlines offering no fees for canceling or changing flights (58%).

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That was followed by advice to travel with a tour operator or a travel agent so they can help if something unexpected happens (57%) and spending extra money if needed, in order to fly on an airline without change fees (56%).

“It has always been the case but now it’s just more evident and relevant than ever — booking your trip with a tour operator or travel agent is the best and easiest way to ensure a seamless travel experience,” Crang says. “If there are delays or cancellations, if something gets rescheduled, you’ll have an expert support person to turn to for answers and advice, someone who will work on your behalf to get things back on track.”

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