Survey: Travelers’ Optimism Returns as Vaccines Fuel Hope

Photo source: Booking.com

After months of Covid-19 restrictions, new research reveals that the travelers’ appetite to explore the world remains undiminished and is fueled by the roll out of vaccines worldwide.

A survey conducted by leading digital travel platform Booking.com reveals insights from more than 28,000 travelers across 28 countries and territories.

Despite knowing that the pandemic finish line hasn’t been reached just yet, two thirds of global travelers (66 percent) feel more hopeful about traveling in 2021 due to the unwavering commitment of the scientific and medical communities and the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines.

The same number of global travelers (66 percent) state that not being able to travel extensively in 2020 has made them yearn for travel even more in 2021.

Photo source: Booking.com

The trust in vaccines runs deep, with over half (59 percent) of global travelers stating that they won’t travel internationally until they have been vaccinated, which rises to 68 percent among those 55+ years old, while 55 percent of global travelers will only travel to countries that have implemented vaccination programs.

But there still is some hesitation, with two fifths (41 percent) remaining sceptical as to whether a vaccine will truly help make travel safer.

Meanwhile, 72 percent state that wider access to pre-travel Covid-19 testing is needed, and 70 percent say that governments should collaborate with travel associations and providers to set more consistent standards.

Travel wins in post-pandemic priorities

Photo source: Booking.com

Despite feeling mostly optimistic, global travelers acknowledge that not being able to travel in 2020 like they used to in previous years has had a significant effect on their well-being, with 48 percent reporting a negative impact on their mental health.

Sixty-four percent say travel is more important to them now than it was before the pandemic. So much so that almost three quarters (71 percent ) of travelers would even go so far as stating that they would rather go on a vacation in 2021 than find true love.

Meanwhile, 66 percent would prioritize traveling over success at work, preferring to go on vacation than get promoted.

Over half (53 percent) of travelers have used the increased time at home to plan future travel while almost half (45 percent) have banked more vacation days, so are excited about the potential of taking longer vacations in 2021.

When dreaming about their next vacation, six in ten (61 percent) feel confident that they’ll be able to hit the beach by summer 2021, and 23 percent say a relaxing beach or spa trip will be the first type of trip when it’s safe to do so.

After an exhausting year, only 6 percent will book an active trip and just 5 percent say a city break is a priority.