Terrorism Concerns

Americans are sticking to U.S. soil this summer, but not due to any potential threat of terrorism. Seventy-nine percent say terrorism isn't of concern when planning their summer travel although people in the South are slightly more on edge than others. The declining dollar and an unstable job market might be more top of mind these days.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
No, Terrorism Isn't Keeping Me Home
Northeast: 81%
South: 76%
Midwest: 79%
West: 80%

Declining U.S. Dollar

It has certainly gotten more expensive to travel outside the U.S. lately. However, 60 percent of Americans aren't being influenced by the declining strength of the dollar even if they considered international travel this summer. Most are making a conscious decision to stay in the U.S. with a few still jetting off beyond the borders -- prepared to pay dearly.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
No, U.S. Dollar Value Doesn't Matter
Northeast: 61%
South: 59%
Midwest: 66%
West: 56%

European Travels

Ten percent of Americans are making the break for Europe, whether it's Paris or distant Warsaw. These people know that not all of Europe is expensive, (like nine dollar hamburgers). There are European countries where the U.S. dollar can still make your summer vacation a bargain and people in the Northeast are planning to take advantage of it.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, Europe Here I Come
Northeast: 14%
South: 9%
Midwest: 9%
West: 9%

Beyond European Travels

Some Americans are looking to the world beyond Europe. With the Olympics in China and some good travel deals in Mexico and Caribbean, 19 percent of Americans are planning for international travel that is somewhere other than Europe. Whether at home or elsewhere in the world, bargain states or countries are luring travelers.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, International Other Than Europe
Northeast: 21%
South: 20%
Midwest: 16%
West: 19%

Tour Group Travel Aboard

Tour groups are perfect if you want a vacation without even lifting a finger. You don't have to do a thing except get up each morning and follow the schedule. Assuming Americans were to travel abroad, 65 percent would go it alone and not do their travels as part of a tour group. And people in the West are even more so inclined to be independent travelers.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
No, Not Interested in a Tour
Northeast: 64%
South: 66%
Midwest: 63%
West: 68%

2008 Summer Vacation Survey

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