A recent survey conducted by global hotel chain Choice Hotels International Inc. reveals the contrasting leisure travel preferences, habits, likes and dislikes between American male and female travellers, as well as their plans to visit Europe this summer. Key findings include:
Keen to visit Europe but not sure how long it takes to get there
Of those who are travelling to Europe this summer, 33% are planning to travel to one European destination, while 27% are planning on two. Over half (51%) are planning to be in Europe between one and two weeks, with 42% for more than a fortnight.
Reasons for doing so include 70% wanting to visit historical sites and buildings, 42% visiting family and 36% wishing to be immersed in European culture. The most popular European city destination is Dublin, followed by Rome, Paris and London. American travellers to Europe say the average spend per person is likely to be just over $3,500.
While over half (53%) of all those surveyed correctly pointed out that the flight time from New York from London is less than 10 hours, 35% thought the flight time was 10 hours, with 12% suggesting it was more than 12 hours.
Men are bigger spenders, more romantic but less tolerant of babies on flights
Men spend an average of $14.57 more on a hotel room compared to women, with an average spend per room per night of $140.95 compared to $126.38. While 70 percent of men say they would rather experience flight turbulence than sit next to a crying baby, compared to 54 percent of women, they do however show their soft side by missing their significant other 16 percent more than women do when travelling (53% vs. 37%)
Women have better cracked the work/life balance
For 1 in 3 women, their vacation starts after finishing work the day before the trip, whereas 1 in 3 men say it’s when they are finally in the car/on the plane. Almost two thirds (73 percent) of women say they don’t do any work while on vacation, compared to 68 percent of men. Women are also 57 percent more likely than men to travel with their parents this summer, and 107 percent more likely than men to pack three pairs of shoes with them.
Breakfast in America
35 percent of all Americans surveyed think complimentary breakfast is the most important amenity when choosing a hotel, with free WiFi now in second place having held the top spot last summer. Women say the pool is the second hotel amenity they are most likely to use, whereas for men, it’s the on-site restaurant.
It’s all about people
Nearly 70 percent of Americans male and female enjoy making new connections on trips, and on average, Americans make 2.5 new connections while travelling. More than a third of Americans remain friends with someone they met on vacation. Only 15 percent of Americans will travel alone this summer while 60 percent of Americans would rather travel with friends, to a destination they have already been, than visit somewhere new alone. In fact, for 82 percent of Americans, who they are travelling with is their favourite part of travelling.
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