A recent survey shows Americans are planning to spend $2,836 per person on an average to travel this fall — higher than summer travel spending. Also, the average total cost of a trip is expected to be 5.7 percent higher than last fall.
The survey, conducted by travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth, goes on to show other interesting developments like retirees spending more than young families, close to $3,420 per person. Global unrest and recent domestic events have also affected plans deeply. This is evident as more customers are specifically looking for terrorism coverage when purchasing travel insurance.
Multiple surveys conducted by various other travel interest groups show some distinct shifts in fall travel for Americans this year. Popular local haunts are giving in to newer areas, and international travel destinations are scoring big hits for a short break. Let's look at five trends this fall:
1. Cheaper flights to go global
Cheaper flights and competing airline deals have paved the way for more international travel, especially as Americans are all set to take advantage of the "Brexit benefit." According to a comprehensive survey report from Travel Leaders Group, London ranked as the No. 1 international destinations for fall travelers. Maui, Hawaii, an all-time hotspot, came next as the domestic favorite.
The fluctuation in the British pound has worked in favor for American travelers to London. The fear of the Zika virus has made travelers look away from Orlando toward Maui, helping it surpass its rival for the first time.
2. Adventure seekers
It's no surprise more millennials are looking for adventure than the baby boomers. Several surveys reveal they want more authentic and unique experiences, with opportunities to learn something new rather than just R&R.
However, what is surprising is that 69 percent of global travelers want to explore new and uncharted territories — trying adventure travel for the first time. Travel businesses that can create more adventure tours in the itinerary may reap the benefits of volume bookings this fall and beyond in 2016.
3. Off the beaten track
While local fall favorites will always see footfalls, there is a lot of interest for foliage tours that lie off the beaten track this year. Perhaps this is a continuation of the earlier trend, but this holds true for both young families and retirees, who are just looking for something different.
Even for the much traveled Northeast that sports some of the best foliage every fall, there is a keen interest to explore vistas that have never been seen before. Places like Talcott Mountain State Park in Connecticut, Ricker Hill Orchards in New England, Milan State Park in New Hampshire, Southern Adirondacks in New York, Owls Head Mountain in Vermont, and even Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which has traditionally been more of summer favorite.
4. Cuba on the radar
The return of commercial flights between the U.S and Cuba has paved the way for a whole new region to explore. Travel agents are already witnessing a surge of interest in Cuban travel. Travelers want to take advantage of the first wave and capitalize on the deals. It fits their budgets and satiates their thirst for the unknown and adventure at the same time.
One bookings site official has termed the Cuban phenomenon as the gold rush for the travel market. Others have predicted the supply of seats could outpace the demand quickly with approval of close to 300 weekly flights to the island. The Havana Consulting Group has projected that U.S. traveler footfalls could reach 1 million in 2016 alone.
5. Road trips are still going strong
AAA said that while gas prices were at an all-time low for Labor Day weekend, they are probably going to fall further this autumn. Proactive states like Michigan have already added an online road trip planner to their new Pure Michigan fall campaign.
This also jibes with the high staycation or "close-to-home" trend reports for this year, as a large number of young families are opting for a quick and inexpensive road trip and save money for a longer travel opportunity during the winter break.
