We Polled Our Audience of Travel Enthusiasts About Their Upcoming Trips. Here Are Our Findings
This August, we polled our audience of travel enthusiasts to find out more about the trips they took in 2022 and the trips they plan to take in 2023 – from transportation preferences to their desired destination to what they spend and more.
The verdict? Our audience is a unique makeup of adventure-seekers and travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring new places, people and cultures alike. They’re smart decision-makers who come to Gear Patrol looking for advice and recommendations on all things travel – from travel tips, hacks and services to the essential gear they’ll bring along on their next adventure.
Read on below as we recap our favorite takeaways from our August travel survey.
(SOURCE: Gear Patrol August 2022 Audience Survey)
The Takeaways
1. They're heading into 2023 ready to travel.
87% of survey respondents are planning a trip within the next year and 78% are planning a trip within the next 6 months. That makes them likely to be in the market for travel recommendations, tips and more importantly, new gear.
2. They prioritize opportunities to travel and average 3 or more trips per year.
When asked about frequently they travel, 75% of survey respondents take 3 or more trips per year. We have a unique audience of travel enthusiasts who actively search for opportunities to travel and prioritize their next pursuits.
3. In addition to adventure travel, they frequently travel for business purposes.
In addition to leisure trips, family vacations and adventure travel, nearly 1 in 2 of our readers also travel for business purposes. Business travelers – specifically Delta Sky Club members – have the opportunity to read Gear Patrol Magazine in Delta Lounges along the way.
4. They're decision-influencers and are likely to give travel recommendations to others.
In addition to researching for themselves, our readers are influencers when it comes to products and services. Upon returning from a trip, 88% our readers are highly likely to share their travel experiences and recommendations with others.
5. Sustainable travel matters.
Our readers are always on the hunt for sustainable products, services and experiences. They take sustainability seriously and when traveling, 1 in 2 are highly likely to consider sustainable travel options when available.
6. They find value in travel loyalty programs and credit card rewards.
Our readers are smart spenders, finding opportunities to get the most value out of their travel booking. More than 1 in 2 respondents are likely to use credit card points when booking travel and more than 1 in 2 respondents participate in travel loyalty programs.
7. They prefer to fly when given the option.
When asked about their preferred method of transportation more than 3 in 4 readers selected flying. It’s important for our readers to get the most value out of their trip and reach their next destination efficiently – whether a drive to the mountains or train ride along the coast.
8. They’re headed to the beach, mountains, city, National Parks and coastal destinations.
Our readers are outdoor enthusiasts who are seeking adventure. When asked where they’re headed on their next trip beach/lake, mountains, city, National Parks, and coastal destinations were the top selection.
9. They travel for leisure, adventure, family, celebrations, holidays and business.
We asked our readership of travel enthusiasts about what inspires them to travel. They have a passion for seeking new places, people, and experiences – whether recreationally or on their next adventure. Their top reasons for travel include leisure/relaxation, adventure, visiting family & friends, celebration/milestone/holiday and business travel.
10. They’re likely to stay in hotels, rentals or with friends and family.
From hotels to campgrounds to RV’s and more, we asked our readers to rank their top preferred lodging preferences while embarking on their adventures. They’re actively searching for convenient and comfortable places to stay and are likely to stay in a hotel/resort, vacation rental, or family/friends residence.
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