Survey Shows About Half of U.S. Adults Are Taking at Least Three Short Getaways This Year
In today's time-compressed society, Americans are taking shorter vacations. According to a recent survey by discount travel site Hotwire.com(TM), the majority of survey respondents (75 percent) are planning at least one two-to-four day trip in 2006, with 47 percent planning to take three or more short getaways. In comparison, only 50 percent of survey respondents will take a longer trip of seven days or more this year.
"This year, one in four Americans are planning to spend less on vacations," said Barbara Messing, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire(R). "By taking shorter trips, travelers can stretch their vacation budget and travel more frequently, so they can see and do more."
Trips closer to home are also growing in popularity among vacationers. Almost one in three (32%) of those who plan to take a trip in 2006 stated that they will take three or more local trips (i.e., within 200 miles from their home) this year. For today's time and budget conscious traveler, Hotwire recommends taking a local break in a nearby big-city hotel. During summer months, many big-city hotels have unsold rooms and use Hotwire to sell the rooms at deeply discounted prices. For travelers, this can mean four-star hotels around $100 or less per night. Plus, there's something for everyone in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago -- from theater and top-notch dining to shopping, museums and parks.
Added Messing, "Local breaks are a terrific way to escape for the weekend. By checking into a four-star hotel, travelers can enjoy all the amenities of a vacation away from home -- from spas and swimming pools to top-notch restaurants -- and avoid fighting traffic at the airport."
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