Two-thirds of travelers in the United States
say receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will make them feel safe enough to travel
again.
Vaccination came in as the top choice (67%),
followed closely by required wearing of masks on planes and in airports (66%),
according to a survey from Allianz Partners of 3,500 of its travel insurance customers
in the U.S. Those surveyed could choose all answers that apply.
The majority of
respondents over the age of 65 (78%) picked vaccination as the top choice,
compared to 59% of those ages 45 to 64 and 47% of those under 45 years old.
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After vaccination
and masks, respondents named blocked seats and limited capacity on planes and
trains (59%) and advanced sanitizing efforts at airports and hotels (58%) as
steps that will make them feel safe enough to travel. Respondents gave less importance
to the crew and other travelers being vaccinated (47%), declining COVID-19 cases
at the destination (44%) and a required negative COVID-19 test prior to
traveling (41%).
When asked when
they plan to travel next, 19% selected “within one to three months,” 18%
selected “within four to six months” and 15% selected within seven to 12
months.
Thirteen
percent of respondents say they are already traveling and 21% say they are not
sure when they will travel again.
Most respondents (70%) plan to fly to their
next destination, compared to 20% that intend to drive. The most popular
destinations for next trips are the continental U.S. (56%), Mexico, the
Caribbean or Hawaii (21%) and Europe (15%).
“It is a huge accomplishment to
have three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines in distribution throughout the
U.S.,” says Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz
Partners USA.
“Our survey finds that increased
traveler confidence is a direct result of improved vaccine availability, and we
are pleased to see how vaccines will impact the recovery of the travel industry
and travelers’ vacation plans in 2021 and beyond.”
Allianz Partners conducted the survey from February 10 through
March 1. It defined travel as a trip to a destination that is more than 100
miles from your home and lasts for at least two nights.