Our survey results are not surprising. People want to travel. Some people are ready to travel now. Some people are waiting to see. We'll take another survey next month to see how the results have changed. In the meantime, here's where you (the survey respondents) want to go. Our survey could use some fine tuning because some respondents picked cities, some picked countries and others selected conitinents. Surprisingly, only a few places in the US made the list. So, here's our best-effort compilation of the responses.
Top Destinations
Italy
Scotland
Greece (Learn more about Greece and Greek Islands on May 11)
New Zealand
Ireland
Germany
Africa
Very Popular
United Kingdom
France
Austria
Switzerland
Norway
South Pacific (Tahiti, American Samoa, Bora Bora)
Holy Land
South America (Chile, Peru, Patagonia, Machu Picchu)
Australia
Morocco
Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine)
One Off Selections
Arctic
Madagascar
Spain
Portugal
Tokyo
New Orleans
Hawaii
Alaska
Iceland
Greenland
Mediterranean (Learn about Turkey on May 18)
Mexico
US Virgin Islands
What did the survey tell us? The survey was taken shortly after the US Presidential election and before distribution of the vaccine. We assess the mood of travelers to be much more positive but there's still a wait-and-see attitude among many people.
Question 1 (age of respondents)
The vast majority of the respondents (95%) were over age 40.
Question 2 (multiple parts addressing your concerns about travel)
Surprisingly, COVID was not the highest concern but it was not far behind.
Penalties for trip cancellation had the highest weighted average score of 3.72
COVID had the second highest weighted average of 3.24
Cost had the third highest weighted average score of 3.21
Geo-political concerns had the fourth highest average of 3.07
The other three topics, physical security, general health safety and concerns about air travel did not generate high concerns.
Question 3 (when would you feel comfortable traveling)
The question assumed (inappropriately so) that most people would not feel comfortable traveling until the new year (2021). The answers were pegged to time frames starting in 2021, basically the first half of the year, the second half of 2021 and the following years.
The highest response (50% of all respondents) was people planning for travel within the next 60 to 180 days, or the first half of 2021.
The second highest response ((35%) was for people planning for travel in the second half of 2021.
All others were ready to travel in 2022.
Many people made comments stating that they were ready to go "now" and weren't planning on waiting 60 days. At the time of the survey most international destinations were locked down, off limits or not accepting foreign visitors.
Question 4 (frequency or type of traveler)
Most respondents were experienced or international travelers.
A quarter (26%) of respondents called themselves infrequent travelers.
Question 5 (When did you last travel internationally)
This question can't be reduced to percentages because every response was different. However, many people had traveled during 2020, either right before the lockdown or during the pandemic, to international locations.
Question 6 (see results above - Where You Want to Go)
Question 7 (what is your risk perception of cruising)
The question was scored on a scale of 0 to 100 with the average score being 60. Perceptions of cruising are skewed by the government response that shutdown all cruises from US ports. That shutdown continues but the cruise line CEOs are optimistic that cruises will resume from the US by mid-July. We will see.
Question 8 (Have you Used a Travel Agent)
We were pleased that only 12% of respondents had not used a travel agent. We are Travel Safety Certified and are here to help you navigate the vagaries of travel during COVID. Changes happen daily and we have access to frequent updates that will keep you and your family safe.
Question 9
We had 46 respondents claim their Secret Code by entering their email address (although one person entered twice). We originally intended for this effort to support our Group Cruise Tour with Royal Caribbean that was rescheduled for July 2021 after being canceled in 2020. As of this writing, we still do not know if the Alaska Cruise season will take place in 2021. You can attend our seminar Tuesday evening and find out the latest on Alaska Cruises and other destinations with former Alaskan resident, Jeannie Robertson. Cruises are scheduled for Alaska on smaller ships (100 passengers or less) and land tours will take place as usual.
To attend this presentation from the comforts of your own home please register for this free virtual event here:
Alaska and Beyond with Royal Caribbean on Apr 27, 2021 7:00 PM CDT:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3599789389028851212
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you would prefer an in-person presentation at Georgetown Country Club, call us for details, 512-819-1536.
You are probably wondering what the SECRET CODE will get you. With Alaska in doubt for 2021 we've expanded the offering to any 2021, 2022 or 2023 booking for cruises, all-inclusive resorts, land tours, train journeys, river cruises or luxury villas.
RESTRICTIONS: Gross booking value of $10,900 per couple. You must book before May 31.
What You Get:
Transfer to/from your home to departing airport (50 mi limit) ($150 value)
Half Price travel insurance ($429 value)
Shore Excursions/Land Tour credit ($100 per person) ($200 value)
Complimentary 4Nomads Travel bathrobe ($200 value)
Free Gratuities (if applicable*) ($210 value) *additional tour credit if not applicable
Your Thank You for Completing Our Survey = $1189 in Savings
Applies Only for Gross Bookings (per couple) of $10,900 or greater
Prorata reduction in savings for gross bookings of lesser value (call for details)