NEW YORK — Wanderlust seems to be a permanent state for many Americans, as a recent survey reveals that one in five (21%) are “always” planning their next escape — even while still enjoying their current vacation! The survey of 2,000 adults who travel also finds another 27 percent say this feeling sets in within a week of taking a vacation.
The average person spent 11 days on vacation in 2023. Looking ahead, the average American wants to spend 15 days on vacation in 2024, and if they had unlimited personal time off (PTO), they’d want to spend 18 days. Although just a quarter of respondents say they travel more than the average person they know, 46 percent want to be known as a frequent traveler by others in their lives.
Conducted by OnePoll for the timeshare brand Club Wyndham, the survey reveals that 89 percent of respondents report that vacationing reduces their stress levels, albeit temporarily, and 84 percent acknowledge that a vacation can relax them and decrease stress for up to two weeks after returning.
A majority of respondents say that they consider vacations as a form of self-care (86%). Similarly, eight in 10 would be interested in a “do-nothing” vacation where they sit by the pool, beach, or inside reading a book or relaxing.
“According to the survey, more than 70 percent of potential travelers count down to their vacation, and a majority long to travel again just one week after returning home,” says spokesperson Annie Roberts, Senior Vice President of Club and Owner Services at Club Wyndham, in a statement. “With today’s travelers often putting a great deal of time and thought into the trip planning and dreaming stages to ensure a vacation that is well tailored to their interests, it’s not surprising that they want to experience the ‘vacation glow’ again and again.”
To make sure they get what they’re looking for, those surveyed go to great lengths to plan their vacations. Respondents want to steer clear of discomforts like sharing a bathroom with others (27%) and avoid situations where they would have difficulty sleeping (27%).
Nearly a quarter of travelers say sharing a hotel room isn’t ideal, and the same percentage says small hotel rooms are a dealbreaker (23% each). Most Americans surveyed say that when on vacation with others, they prefer having their own or extra space to spread out (79%), including 82 percent of parents.
If they had their dream hotel room, respondents would make sure there is Wi-Fi (55%), a private balcony or outdoor area (41%), a large bedroom (37%), a large bathroom (33%), and a full-sized kitchen or kitchenette (32%).
“With nearly a third of respondents (29%) spending most or all their time at their hotel or resort while on vacation, it’s clear that travelers deserve more than just a place to sleep,” says Roberts. “People want to ensure their vacation decisions bring them quality, consistency and peace of mind for their entire experience. Accommodations that actually enhance your vacation, like separate bedrooms, bathrooms and full-sized kitchens, offer travelers a special luxury—the chance to gather comfortably to enjoy shared moments that become lifelong memories.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who travel was commissioned by Club Wyndham between March 22 and March 28, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).