Research from Answers Corporation reveals that more than nine out of ten Americans book their summer break more than 30 days in advance.
This surprisingly high proportion reveals the extent to which US travellers are planning ahead - the research also found that more than half (57%) are "scheduling" their trips more than four months ahead, although it is not clear whether this refers to blocking out dates in their calendar or actually clicking on the "book" button.
The sample, which is "amassed from thousands of surveys and consumer behavior touchpoints with global travel brands" also indicated that "personalization" was more important than price when it comes to influencing travel decisions.
Personalization in this case is broadly defined as "finding a vacation spot tailored to meet consumers’ needs".
This could mean a five-star beach hotel is tailored, rather than a more demanding idea of personalization such as a five-star beach hotel with free wifi in the room, no children allowed, a gym which opens at 5.30 am and breakfast included.
It is also interesting that 20% of the sample talked about their "favourite destination" in terms of dictating their choice, suggesting that one in five Americans already knows where they want to go.
There may be some business up for grabs in terms of what is available within a destination, but it does sound as if quite a few Americans are immune to destination marketing.
When it comes to booking channels, 65% prefer to use desktop for booking; 16% specified high street agents and other offline channels with mobile getting the nod from a disappointing 2% of travellers.
The mathematically astute will realise that this adds up to 83%, which begs the question where do the rest of them book their vacation?
Finally, there is an interesting observation about millennials, 23% of whom plan to stay put or stay local - it is not clear if this means short-haul or no vacation at all. And for those who are planning to travel, the key influencer is not coolness, or wifi access, or sustainability - it is price.
NB: Plan ahead image via Shutterstock.