The Family Travel Association (FTA), in collaboration with the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, has released the results of the 2021 U.S. Family Travel Survey, which focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behaviors, preferences and attitudes.
The survey of 2,365 parents shows that 88% of families are likely to travel with their children in the next 12 months, and 65% of those surveyed say they would consider using a travel advisor in the next two years.
Overwhelmingly, U.S. families report they want clear communications from travel businesses: For example, while some families look for reassurance that health protocols are being followed, others want to know in advance if any amenities will be closed or have restricted access.
In contrast, only 44% of respondents took a family trip in 2020, and 80% made changes to their travel plans due to the pandemic.
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Families also report they are paying more attention to cancellation policies and to health and safety considerations when choosing travel destinations — 80% of respondents will only book travel with companies that have flexible cancellation policies in place. In addition, on the question of vaccine passports, 53% agree or strongly agree with them and 28% disagree.
"The 2021 U.S. Family Travel Survey shows that while some family travel patterns have remained the same, there have also been significant changes due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Lynn Minnaert, clinical associate professor at the Tisch Center. “Overwhelmingly, U.S. families report they want clear communications from travel businesses: For example, while some families look for reassurance that health protocols are being followed, others want to know in advance if any amenities will be closed or have restricted access.”
The lingering effects of border closures, mask mandates and vaccines will probably continue to play a major role in how people plan, book and travel for many months, if not years, to come.
The study shows that domestic travel is rebounding faster than international travel — 83% of respondents plan to take a multi-day vacation in the U.S., whereas only 19% plan to take an international trip. Visiting family and friends (62%) and beach vacations (61%) are the top two types of travel, followed by theme parks/waterparks and state and national parks.
Regarding air travel, 72% of respondents are willing to fly on a domestic trip and 40% on an international trip.
The survey was circulated via the mailing list of MacaroniKid, a publishing platform that provides local activity guides and news for more than 3 million families across the U.S. The study’s sponsor was Celebrity Cruises. This is the sixth year for this annual survey.
“With this report, the FTA is continuing its series of annual surveys to help our industry better understand the needs, expectations and projected behaviors of traveling families,” said Rainer Jenss, founder of the FTA. “The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a major impact on the travel industry during most of 2020 and 2021. In fact, the lingering effects of border closures, mask mandates and vaccines will probably continue to play a major role in how people plan, book and travel for many months, if not years, to come.”
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