In honor of National Road Trip Day on May 28, Hertz surveyed more than 1,500 Americans to determine how and when they plan to put the pedal to the metal toward their next vacation.
More than 80% of people surveyed say they plan to take a road trip this summer and 86% agree they are more likely or as likely to hit the road compared to previous years.
Car culture
Overwhelmingly, 65% said that a rental car was the mode of transportation that made them feel the safest. While 45% of participants noted they would be flying somewhere first to start their road trip, nearly 29% of those surveyed said they prefer rental cars over taking their personal vehicle to avoid putting extra miles on their car. Others liked the idea of parking the minivan and renting a shiny convertible for the week.
Hit the road Jack (in June!)
Fifty-two percent of respondents plan to resume travel as early as June. That being said, respondents made it clear that a city/state’s COVID-19 restrictions remain a factor in the decision to travel there and face masks will be the top must-have item to pack this year.
In search of Southern hospitality
While international travel will open up for travelers, a recent TripAdvisor study shows 74% of Americans that plan to travel this summer will stay within the U.S. Among the 81% of people surveyed who said they were taking a trip this summer, 42% are planning to travel to the South or Southeast, with the West coming in second at 32% followed by the Northeast at 24%. National parks or local attractions and beaches nearly tied in a following question.
The evolution of entertainment
Over half of road trippers surveyed played I Spy, counted license plates or got semi-trucks to honk as their top entertainment choice for road trips as a kid. Now, instead of playing games, they are cranking up the tunes with 70% of respondents saying they listen to music via the radio or a streaming app as their top entertainment option.
Family first
Seventy-one percent of respondents said road trips would not be complete without their spouse or significant other as their ideal companion. Nearly half of survey participants noted their summer road trip plans would take them to visit family, with an additional 35% saying they cannot wait to reconnect with friends when they’re ready to travel again.
