Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout, summer travel in 2021 is likely going to have a flavor and flair all its own. As the data show, 28% of U.S. adults have chosen not to plan any travel this year, while 10% have cancelled their travel plans. And with 22% who are not yet sure how the pandemic will impact their vacations this year, there’s a good chance that those numbers could evolve as summer draws closer.

Those hardest hit are lower-income earners, with 30% of this demographic choosing not to travel this year, as a result of the pandemic, and 12% having canceled their plans.

While 28% of U.S. adults may have chosen not to travel, 40% say the pandemic has not impacted their travel plans. This suggests that some Americans still plan to hit the road. And when they do, they’ll most likely be staying at hotels, an Airbnb, or with friends and family. 

Signs of Changing Times 

Since 2020, interest in cruise vacations has seen a considerable decline. While 24% of U.S. adults were interested in taking a cruise in the first quarter of 2020, just 15% indicate the same interest now. Meanwhile, those with no interest have risen six percentage points in the same timeframe.

And while business travel used to be a regular part of life for many Americans, the frequency of business travel has also fallen. In January 2020, 65% of respondents reported never going on business trips. That’s risen to 69% this year. 

One of the biggest factors potentially impacting summer travel is comfort with public spaces. As the data show, those who are most concerned about being in public spaces are also the most likely to not be making travel plans or to have already canceled them.  

Although many Americans may not be going on vacation, the majority (78%) are still planning to take their vacation days this summer. This suggests that staycations could be on the agenda for many this year, especially for those who are weary of spending time in public. 

So while summer 2021 is by no means canceled, many Americans–especially those who may be financially impacted by the pandemic and concerned about being out and about–could be choosing to stay closer to home.