NEW YORK — After a year sitting inside, Americans are getting plenty of fresh ideas on how to spend the summer of 2021. A new study finds nearly six in 10 people (59%) want to try something new for the very first time during their vacation this year.
Out of 2,000 U.S. residents, 60 percent add they feel their absolute happiest while on vacation. When asked to specify what new activities they’d like to try, respondents cited trying different foods, going bungee jumping, camping, and even taking “a cross country road trip to see my bestie.”
Nearly one in five Americans (17%) want to go see a new state or city this summer. Four in 10 (39%) said seeing friends and family is a must during their summer trips. Meanwhile, two-thirds of respondents said they feel more inclined to rent an RV or campervan now than before the pandemic started.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of online RV rental platform Outdoorsy, researchers also discovered that two-thirds of Americans have started their own summer “bucket list.”
Americans have lofty goals for their summer fun
Popular plans for this summer include camping (47%), waterskiing (44%), wakeboarding (43%), and surfing (41%). Camping and water sports aside, people also want to hike (41%), try their hand at skydiving (36%), or just relax while fishing (35%).
All these plans are leading 60 percent to put together a summer shopping wish list too. Nearly half the poll (46%) cite a need for new camping gear, a tent (37%), or an RV or campervan (33%). In fact, 62 percent would rather spend their vacation surrounded by nature this summer; which Outdoorsy co-founder and CMO Jen Young says is likely a reaction to the past year of social distancing and quarantine measures.
“As we head into the summer months, the desire and the demand to get out of the house is at an all-time high,” Young says in a statement. “We’re seeing more and more people seek out alternative ways to travel that allow them to stay away from crowds and be in a location where fresh air and open space are their closest companions. Choosing to rent an RV or campervan naturally opens the door and the ability to do that; it gives travelers the keys to controlling their environment.”
Traveling safely is still the top priority
Driving (44%) topped the list of travel options that Americans consider to be the safest this summer. Taking a cruise (37%) and flying (33%) finished closely behind. With that in mind, 81 percent of respondents say that because of the pandemic, they feel forced to find alternative travel destinations or an alternative form of travel compared to their usual vacationing routine.
Of those surveyed, 63 percent would rather stay closer to their adventure of choice on their next vacation, like camping on a beach, instead of heading to a hotel or AirBnB.
“After a year of staying home, travelers are in search of something different this summer – from a relaxing getaway out in nature to a long road trip to take in as many sites as possible. The beauty of an RV trip is having a rig to fit every type of traveler and every type of vacation,” Young says.
Overall, six in 10 said they would spend significantly more money on their vacation if it meant they were 100 percent safe from COVID. In the meantime, Americans are doing everything they can to make sure they’re ready for their 2021 adventure. When asked what must-haves are necessary for their summer getaway, the most popular answer is “being vaccinated” (40%).