Vacation Travel Survey 79 Say Economy Impacting Travel Plans



A survey conducted by Adventurous Wench, a women's travel company (http://www.adventurouswench.com) based in Arizona, showed that the economy is having a significant negative impact on people's travel plans. Seventy-nine percent of respondents indicated that they would be cutting back and modifying vacation plans during the next two years.

"We know that a lot of people are hurting in this economy," Keahey said. "We've always kept a close eye on our clients' wants and needs in planning our trips, so we wanted to go a step further in determining how the economy is impacting them, and what we can do to help."

The survey conducted between March 27 and April 3, 2008 found the following results:

- 79.9 percent say the state of the U.S. economy is having a negative impact on their travel plans

- 38.6 percent say the state of the economy is causing a major decrease in their travel plans

- 41.3 percent say the economy is causing a minor decrease in their travel plans

When asked which options they're most likely to consider in their travel plans for the coming year:

- 58.0 percent plan to visit less expensive destinations

- 50.5 percent will travel closer to home

- 45.2 percent will postpone big vacations

Other options cited by at least 25 percent of the respondents included:

- Avoid expensive airline flights

- Take fewer trips

- Take shorter trips

- Go where they want, but find ways to do it cheaper

- Switch to inexpensive vacations, like camping or visiting family

Only 12.8 percent said they're planning to vacation as normal. A few commented that their 2008 travel plans were already booked in 2007 and that they'd stick with those plans, but will need to cut back after that.

Respondents' overall view of the economy was bleak:

- 86.8 percent say the economy is somewhat or very bad right now

- 53.0 percent expect it to be worse a year from now

- 74.2 percent say the economy is currently having a minor negative impact on their lives

- 13.7 percent say the economy is having a major negative impact on their lives today

"It's clear the economy is taking its toll on people, both financially and emotionally," Keahey said. "While they hesitate to spend money on vacations, it's a Catch-22 because not vacationing increases the stress they're already experiencing."

Keahey and the Adventurous Wench travel experts are gearing up to offer women adventure travelers more economy-friendly trips in the future. The women's vacation experts also offer an innovative, no-interest budget layaway payment plan, a great alternative to placing vacation costs on credit cards.

"We've gotten lots of great feedback from our customers, and are looking at ways we can adapt our portfolio of trips to help them through these difficult times," Keahey said. "Even if they can't afford to vacation like they once did, everyone needs a break from the pressures of work and other obligations, especially during times of stress." Survey results included 191 US respondents, predominantly women, from across the United States.

Adventurous Wench specializes in high-quality soft adventure trips for women (http://www.adventurouswench.com/trips.htm). Stress-free, all-inclusive vacation packages offer vacationers the luxury of not having to figure out where to go and what to do upon arriving at a destination. The Adventurous Wench trips are also a great way to meet other like-minded women while traveling with an extra feeling of safety. Small groups of women enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or boating, excellent cuisine, fine accommodations and stress-free travel led by experienced guides.

For more information or to book a trip, call 866-419-3624 or go to the company's website at Adventurous Wench (http://www.adventurouswench.com).

For more information, please contact:

Deanna Keahey

Adventurous Wench

(866) 419-3624





Vacation Travel Survey 79 Say Economy Impacting Travel Plans