Airport Delays

The Transportation Security Administration continues to improve airport safety, as it rolls out new programs to help rushed travelers get to their summer vacation destination quickly. Even that isn't enough to sway the 64 percent of Americans who automatically associate delays and long lines with air travel this summer.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, Delays Are Expected!
Northeast: 67%
South: 62%
Midwest: 63%
West: 64%

Lodging Costs

Looking at ways to reduce summer vacation costs, people are considering various cost-saving options that might actually include you. Thirty-three percent of Americans plan to stay with family or friends to eliminate lodging costs this summer. Those in the Northeast are more likely to be knocking on your door with suitcase in hand.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, Staying With Friends & Family
Northeast: 36%
South: 31%
Midwest: 31%
West: 34%

Drive or Fly

Whether people want to avoid long lines at the airport or save money on airfares, there are some who just plan to drive regardless. If given the option of driving instead of flying, 37 percent of Americans would drive with the intent to save on total summer vacation travel costs. Expect the roads to be busy this summer so stay alert and drive slow.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, I'll Drive to Save Money
Northeast: 37%
South: 35%
Midwest: 43%
West: 31%

Cruises

Cruises offer a carefree vacation and it might surprise you how many of the departure cruise ports are closer to your home than you think. Florida isn't the only place to set sail from with options up and down the seaboards! That said, 12 percent of Americans plan to take a cruise this summer, an international vacation option priced off the U.S. dollar.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, I Plan to Set Sail
Northeast: 14%
South: 13%
Midwest: 7%
West: 14%

Vacation Rentals

Weekly hotel costs can become very pricey when your vacation goes from two people to five. Vacation rentals are a good option for large families or even two or more families who want to vacation together to reduce lodging costs and share the babysitting. Twenty percent of Americans plan to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel this summer.

U.S. Regional Vacation Trends
Yes, I Plan to Do a Rental
Northeast: 23%
South: 22%
Midwest: 16%
West: 19%

2008 Summer Vacation Survey

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