NORWALK, CT – Despite the economy, 95 percent of the more than 4,100 who participated in KAYAK’s Annual Summer Travel Survey plan to travel this summer. More than 41 percent said the recession did not affect their summer plans in any way which is double the number from Kayak’s 2008’s survey.

“Thanks to an abundance of travel deals, last year’s Staycation trend appears to be over as we’re seeing consumers using savvy cost-saving strategies to once again embark on a traditional summer vacation,” said Brian Harniman, KAYAK EVP of marketing and distribution. “According to KAYAK’s survey, our users plan to take advantage of historically low airfare and hop on a plane in search of culture and nightlife with trips to domestic and European cities topping the list of destinations being considered. This is a major change from last summer when 64 percent told us they would avoid flying because airfare was too expensive.”

Savvy cost saving tactics replace last year’s Staycation

Thanks to low prices and deals, last year’s trend of vacationing in the backyard or close to home has subsided with a renewed wanderlust for history, culture and beaches. The most popular destinations under consideration include a major American city (65 percent), Europe (42 percent), domestic beaches (34 percent) and the Caribbean (20 percent).

KAYAK’s survey shows that people are also employing several cost saving tactics including: crashing with friends or relatives instead of booking a hotel (62 percent), taking advantage of off-season pricing (50 percent), trading down for a less fancy hotel (42 percent), booking a shorter holiday (34 percent), choosing a destination closer to home (32 percent), booking accommodations with a kitchen and eating in (30 percent).

Recession Proof your summer 2009 Vacation

1. Cruises are a great bargain: The industry’s biggest players have been rolling out promotions to keep ships full this summer. Carnival is offering a five-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise for less than $559 per person. A seven night Southern Caribbean is only $749 per person. Plus, Carnival is offering a bonus 15 percent discount on shore excursions.

2. Caribbean in the off-season: Summer is always the most affordable time to visit the Caribbean and deals abound this summer for air and hotel. Low cost carriers such as JetBlue and Spirit keep fares low to destinations such as The Bahamas and Puerto Rico. For many US cities, an early morning flight to The Bahamas has you on the beach by early afternoon.

3. Consider Europe: What a difference a year makes. Gone are fuel surcharges that made a cross-continental flight so expensive last year. The dollar is also doing its part and is performing much stronger against the Euro and British Pound. Use Kayak Buzz to get a snapshot of airfare from your home airport to cities in Europe.

4. U.S. hot spots offer sizzling deals: There are great bargains to be had in traditionally expensive destinations such as Las Vegas, Hawaii and San Francisco. Or skip the flight and drive to a city such as Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, TN. These cities offer culture, history, nightlife, museums and more for a fraction of the prices you’ll find in New York or LA.

Copyright 2009 HotelMarketing.com. All rights reserved. From http://www.hotelmarketing.com.
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