The first day of summer is almost two weeks away. Most kids are done with school for the summer. College students are one year closer to graduation. Families and friends are planning their summer schedules- vacations, concerts, and parties. So exactly who is going on vacation and what are their preferences on dining, hotels, and airlines? After polling over 4,000 people the past two weeks, CivicScience was able to uncover some information on vacation goers.

At least 45% of Americans are planning some type of vacation this summer. 17% are still undecided if they are going to plan a getaway. We also asked people if they are planning a beach vacation this summer:

  • 38% of people already went or are planning to go to the beach.
  • The vacationer is more likely to have certain qualities than those not traveling this summer:
  • Age: 34 years old and under
  • Type of area they reside: Suburban
  • Income status: High income
  • Education: Graduate degree
  • Marital status: Married

29% of those who will be vacationing this summer have school aged children living with them and 14% have kids in college, so there is a good chance that at least 1/3 of the people traveling are families.

Vacationers are 75% more likely to describe the national economy as good and 45% more likely to describe their personal finances as good. There is a good chance they will be reading books or magazines on an E-Reader while while traveling or relaxing on their trip.

Some people may be renting a condo or house, but for those staying in a hotel, it looks like Hilton Hotels have the best rating among those planning a vacation. 53% of people who are planning trips like or love Hilton Hotels vs. 31% of people who are not planning a trip.

24% of those planning to travel say that the airline they fly is somewhat important to them, while 32% say they only care about price and schedule. If prices and times were competitive, the vacationers prefer to fly 1. Southwest Airlines 2. American Airlines and 3. Delta Airlines. Also, they are more likely to favor an aisle seat than people who don’t plan on traveling.

Now, let’s take a look at people who plan to drive to their vacation destination. Those travelers are more likely to drive a sedan and visit a rest stop to grab a Starbucks coffee. They only eat fast food a few times a month, but if they do stop to grab a bite along the way it’s more likely to be at a Wendy’s rather than McDonald’s, Burger King, or Subway.

With almost half the U.S. population taking a vacation this summer, it is safe to say there will be crowded beaches, roads, and flights. Plan your trip soon and have a fun vacation!