More households are planning vacations this year than last year, leading to an almost $7 billion increase in vacation spending this summer, according to an Access America Summer Vacation survey that was released by Mondial Assistance USA, a global travel assistance company.
"The vacation climate is better this year. People have started to become more positive about the economy. It is improving," said Dr. Merhrdad Madresehee, professor and chairman of the economics department at Lycoming College.
Trips to all-inclusive resorts have seen increased sales this year, according to Julie McManus, president of World Travel in Montoursville.
People also have been boarding cruise ships to Hawaii and guided tours to Europe, according to McManus.
Amy Brooks, vice president of sales at Susquehanna Trailways, said people are more cautious about how they are spending their money. They may be spending a little bit more on vacations, she said.
"I think there is a relaxed atmosphere out there for people to spend money. They are asking many more questions, but we are booking," Brooks said. "I think they have been scared by all kinds of things over the past couple of years, such as the media and the financial crisis. But, they haven't seen the bottom fall out and figured they might as well go and enjoy themselves."
Among the places those surved listed as potential vacation plans, 43 percent say their plans include going to the ocean or beach, while another 43 percent said they'll take a road trip. About 20 percent will vacation in the mountains, while 15 percent will head to an international location. Another 11 percent will board a cruise ship. Fewer than 10 percent plan to drive around the the country in an RV or head to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, according to the survey. Some people gave multiple destinations.
Brooks said she is seeing the gamut this summer, with inexpensive single-day beach and casino trips up to a 12-day tour of national parks.
Of single day trips that people are taking this summer, some are travelling to see the Statue of Liberty, baseball games and casinos.
"People are going on vacations where they have a mixture of free time and ones that will educate them to the area. Some people want to know that they come away with some kind of information about the relevance to the area," Brooks said.
McManus has also seen an increase in last-minute bookings.
"They realize they have free time and a lot of them sat home last year. They have disposable income and want to go somewhere. People are calling, booking and leaving within two weeks," McManus said. "There are a lot of last-minute specials offered by cruise lines and resorts that people can take advantage of."
