Travelocity Study Predicts Heavy Summer Travel
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A new poll from Travelocity concludes that 90% of those surveyed plan to take an out-of-town summer vacation this year, a 9% increase from 2001. Of those traveling, more tha...
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A new poll from Travelocity concludes that 90% of those surveyed plan to take an out-of-town summer vacation this year, a 9% increase from 2001. Of those traveling, more than eight out of 10 said they will spend as much or more money for their summer excursions.
The poll, based on a survey of 6,000 Travelocity.com members that was conducted in May, also discovered that nearly 40% of those surveyed will generally take a combination of both short and long trips during the summer vacation season.
"This past year, visiting friends and family has become a top priority in the lives of so many individuals," said Sam Gilliland, president and chief executive officer of Travelocity.com. "This survey reflects the value people have placed on taking the time to get out and enjoy themselves this summer, despite the ongoing uncertainties around the world."
Survey findings also include:
-- Most travelers plan to increase or maintain spending.
-- Eight out of 10 surveyed said they will spend as much or more for their summer excursions this year when compared to last year.
-- 47% indicated that they will spend the same.
-- 36% said they will spend more.
-- 16% said they would be spending less.
The majority of travelers, 63.9%, have not changed plans became of the terrorist attacks and economic downturn. 22.7% percent said they will vacation within the United States and closer to home. Only 2.9% said they will be using an alternate form of transportation in lieu of flying.
Florida, California, Nevada, Hawaii and New York are the top five travel destinations within the United States, according to Travelocity.com members.
-- 14.6% cited Florida
-- 10.5% California
-- 5.6% Nevada
-- 5.2% Hawaii
-- 5.1% New York
More Rental Operations

Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026
Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.
Read More →
In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend
The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.
Read More →How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]
A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.
Read More →
Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise 3.6% in 2026 Before Easing in 2027
Car rental rates are projected to rise less than airfares and hotel rates in 2026, then become the only major travel category forecast to decline in 2027, according to projections from GBTA and ALTOUR.
Read More →
Avis Cuts Fleet as Summer Demand Trails Expectations
Avis Budget Group increased second-quarter earnings despite lower Americas revenue and softer-than-expected summer demand. The company also expanded Avis First and advanced its autonomous fleet operations with Waymo.
Read More →
Why Bookings Are Only the Start of the Rental Day
A reservation captures demand. The operating test is whether the business can keep the customer, vehicle, commercial terms, and next action aligned until the rental is closed.
Read More →
This Is the Oldest Car Rental Advertisement You’ll Ever See
This ad for Saunders Drive it Yourself, believed to be the first car rental company in the U.S., was found in an Omaha phone book from 1926.
Read More →
The Desk Upsell Is Costing Operators More Than it Earns
Counter upsells generate revenue, but they can also slow transactions, erode trust, and cost repeat business. Fully inclusive pricing may offer operators a better path to long-term value.
Read More →
U-Save Expands Indian Ocean Presence with New Master Franchise for Mauritius
The franchise has been acquired by Mauritian travel entrepreneur Umarfarooq Omarjee, an established figure in the island's tourism and mobility sector.
Read More →
Global Carsharing Fleet Projected to Reach 768,000 Vehicles By 2030
A new Berg Insight forecast outlines several business models driving the projected growth in public carsharing worldwide through 2029.
Read More →
