‘Get it done’ travel: Volume of vacation bookings jump as Americans take off
Aug 30, 2023, 11:50 AM
The Diamond Princess leaving the Port of Seattle guarded by a very small boat from the Coast Guard. (Photo courtesy of harry_nl/Flickr)
(Photo courtesy of harry_nl/Flickr)
Revenge travel, a slang term created right after the COVID-19-caused lockdown where people traveled to make up for lost time, is now being replaced by something new — “get it done” travel.
According to American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson Michelle Glass, the travel industry is experiencing high bookings due to a rediscovered eagerness to get out and see more of the world.
“Americans don’t want to wait to travel,” Glass said. “‘I don’t want to wait for a pandemic. I don’t want to wait for a recession. I never got to see the Eiffel Tower. I have always wanted to see the beaches of Normandy. Whatever it is, I don’t want to wait.'”
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Data for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises on Labor Day weekend travel are up over last year. Domestic bookings are up 4% and international cruise bookings are up 44% over last year, according to AAA.
Where are Americans going?
“Vancouver, (British Columbia), Rome, London, Dublin and Paris. Those are the top 5 international destinations over Labor Day weekend,” Glass told KIRO Newsradio. “International hotel bookings for the holiday are up 82% compared to 2022.
For Labor Day weekend travel, Seattle was one of the five most popular destinations to visit, according to AAA. Orlando, Florida; Anchorage, Alaska; New York City and Las Vegas round out the top five.
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Glass noted the popularity of Seattle’s cruise industry. AAA data showed domestic cruise bookings over Labor Day weekend are up 19% compared to 2022.
According to a new survey of AAA travel advisors, 59% have seen more interest in travel insurance over the last 60 days while 83% of the advisors stated the most common concern from travelers over the last 60 days was getting stranded by a delayed or canceled flight.
Also, 64% said travelers who booked extended vacations (at least 14 nights) claimed having more time to explore destinations was their main reason for taking an extended trip.
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AAA travel advisors are also seeing high interest among travelers for ocean and river cruises, plus all-inclusive and guided-tour vacations.
“Get it done” travel has been born and it’s taking Americans to many different places.
