NEW YORK — Many Americans are sorting their clothes, packing their bags, and can’t wait — to go to the laundromat? A new study finds things some considered mundane before the pandemic are now becoming the highlights of our weeks.
A survey of 2,005 Americans discovered nearly a third (32%) say the simple chore of doing laundry has become the highlight of their entire week. Sixty-nine percent say that after spending so much time indoors, any new experience at all feels like a thrill.
Adventure bar so low, grocery shopping and getting gas are weekly joys for folks
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Apple Vacations and Secrets Resorts & Spas, examined just how cooped up people have been over the past year during COVID. Researchers find 44 percent say grocery shopping is now a surprisingly exciting moment in their lives. Thirty-five percent admit that filling up their gas tank now gives them a thrill like never before.
The desire to find a sense of escapism during this time is important for many. In fact, 59 percent of respondents say they’re at “the end of their ropes” due to ongoing isolation.
As a result, 62 percent add that, since March 2020, what they want out of a real vacation has shifted significantly. As soon as people feel safe to travel, 56 percent say they will go on the longest vacation of their entire lives.
Two in three people cannot wait to experience new sights and sounds in person again. Americans are so desperate to get away they’re willing to shell out big bucks in order to do so. Researchers find the average American is willing to spend nearly $7,000 just to finally get the chance to travel again.
“As Americans gear up to return to travel, providing them with the opportunity to safely unplug from the stresses of the last year – even if it means simply relaxing on a private beach – is more vital than ever,” says Senior Director of Marketing, Consumer Brands at Apple Leisure Group, Dana Studebaker, in a statement.
Americans want to travel, but travel safely
As people slowly begin to reintroduce themselves to society in a safe way, three in five are eager to finally have the opportunity to travel with friends and family as soon as lockdown measures end for good.
Because of the pandemic, 59 percent say they’ve been bitten by the travel bug and want to travel a lot more frequently than ever before. Despite the desire to get away, over half the poll (51%) only plan on traveling to places where COVID-19 tests are readily available. Additionally, 56 percent plan on getting a coronavirus vaccine as soon as they can just so they can finally travel.
“People are excited to travel again and they are looking for offerings that ensure they can do so safely, without taking away from the luxury experiences they’ve come to love while on vacation,” adds Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications for Secrets Resorts & Spas Erica Doyne.