The Vacationer recently released the results of their 2024 summer travel survey, which revealed that nearly 82% of American adults plan to travel this summer. This amounts to over 212 million adults traveling throughout the season, although this number is slightly down from the previous summer. The survey also found that approximately 52% of Americans intend to fly during the summer, which is a decrease from the previous year. Despite this, experts predict another busy summer travel season for airline passengers, with fares expected to remain relatively high compared to last summer.
The survey indicated that road trips are the most popular method of travel this summer, with 75% of Americans planning to take at least one road trip. Most travelers are opting for shorter trips, with the majority driving within 100 miles of their home. Only 21% will stick to destinations within 250 miles, while 5.8% plan to drive over 1,000 miles. However, the cost of gas remains a variable for road trip travelers, with fluctuations in gas prices expected in the coming months as the summer travel season approaches.
The Points Guy reported that the average domestic airfare for June is expected to be around $303, with prices trending lower for round-trip routes in July and August. Despite the decrease in the number of people planning to fly this summer compared to last year, experts still anticipate high demand for airline travel in the U.S. and internationally. This could result in another busy summer for air travelers, with fares remaining relatively high throughout the season.
Industry experts are not expecting significant drops in flight fares this summer, despite the decrease in the number of Americans planning to fly compared to the previous year. The Points Guy also highlighted that road trips are the preferred method of travel this summer, with 75% of Americans intending to take at least one road trip. The majority of road trip travelers are opting for shorter drives within 100 miles of their home, with only a small percentage planning longer trips over 1,000 miles.
Gas prices may play a significant role in the cost of road trips this summer, as fluctuating prices could impact travelers’ budgets. AAA reported that the national average for a gallon of gas is currently $3.67, two months ahead of Memorial Day weekend when the summer travel season officially begins. Despite the uncertainty in gas prices due to global conflicts and seasonal demand changes, experts predict a mixed bag of small increases, flat days, and potential price dips leading up to the start of the summer travel season.
As travelers prepare for their summer vacations, both by air and road, the uncertainty of gas prices and airfares looms large. While the survey results indicate a slightly smaller number of Americans planning to travel this summer compared to the previous year, experts still anticipate a busy summer travel season. Whether travelers opt for a road trip closer to home or a flight to a more distant destination, the cost of transportation remains a key factor in planning a summer getaway in 2024.
