Americans Plan Summer Travel Well In Advance

Americans are planning beach trips in large numbers this summer. Photo: VisitNewportBeach.com

Americans are doing more planning this summer than in the past, a new survey shows, and doing more research—a trend that bodes well for travel agents.

Almost half of the respondents to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker (46%) said they are planning their trips more than one month out from booking, vs. 37% in 2015. And they are visiting an average of six websites for information before booking.

The survey reports that 72% of Americans traveling this summer will vacation in the United States, while 15% will travel overseas.

Millennials are slightly more likely to be traveling this summer, with 89% of them saying they are taking a trip, vs. 80% of the general population.

Weekend getaways are extremely popular this summer, with the average American planning three between now and Labor Day; beach trips and family visits are the two most popular choices. Fourth of July weekend is the most popular, cited by 35%, while 24% got away on Memorial Day weekend, and 21% plan a trip for Labor Day weekend.