With the official kickoff of summer just weeks away, Travel Guard® North America (www.travelguard.com) polled consumers to find out more about their summer vacation plans and the effect of rising travel costs.
According to the Travel Beat Survey issued by Ruf Strategic Solutions on behalf of Travel Guard, an overwhelming majority of consumers polled (96 percent) are in the midst of planning summer getaways.
With rising oil prices driving gas to $4 a gallon or more in many cities, 63 percent of those traveling this summer plan to fly to their destination instead of opting for a destination within driving distance.
Though taking a plane is the preferred mode of transportation, 34 percent of respondents cited potential flight delays and cancellations being top-of-mind while traveling. Of travel destinations, cultural and educational experiences remain popular, with 30 percent of those surveyed planning a trip of this nature.
Not far behind, 24 percent of respondents are planning cruise vacations during the season of sun.
When it comes to summer travel budgets, 55 percent of respondents said they plan to spend about the same on this year’s summer vacation as they did last year, while 27 percent note they expect to go over last year’s budget. To cover ever-rising travel expenses, travelers are encouraged to pack a travel insurance plan to cover their trip investment this summer.
“As the economy continues to improve, we are seeing more people planning summer family getaways than in the past few years,” said Travel Guard Vice President, Carol Mueller. “However, as the cost of travel increases more and more, summer vacations are becoming an annual vacation investment.
Even for the family summer vacation, a travel insurance plan can help cover that vacation investment in the event your vacation plans go awry.”
Travel insurance and assistance service plans available through Travel Guard can be purchased online, through Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center, or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer travel insurance plans available through Travel Guard.
Travel Guard, 800-826-1300, www.travelguard.com