AOL Travel Survey Finds Economy Not Stopping Holiday Travel in 2010

Consumers Still Cash Strapped – But Keeping the Tab and Stress in Check

New York, NY, – According to a survey from AOL Travel, the economy will not slow holiday travel. Despite extremely high ticket prices, travelers are using various tactics to manage their travel budgets. To save on costs nearly 55% are cutting back on expensive activities and an increasing number of travelers -- almost 30% this year -- are shortening the length of their travel and skipping hotels, opting instead to stay with friends and family.

“Holiday travelers continue to be cost conscious and resourceful when it comes to managing their travel budgets,” said Beth Caulfield, Editor-in-Chief of AOL Travel. “Although this will be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in recent memory, consumers are being smart about how they spend their money by traveling during off-peak times, lodging with family and friends, and avoiding pricey add-ons like luggage fees.”

Other top-line survey results include:
• 29% of travelers cited cost as the most stressful part of holiday air travel. 24% of travelers indicated delays are the most stressful part of holiday air travel.
• 70% of travelers have had their holiday plans disrupted by airline delays and cancellations with almost 7% never actually making it to their destinations.
• Who causes the most travel stress? 24% percent of travelers said children contribute the most stress, 17% named parents, while 13% named spouses/significant others as the primary cause of holiday travel stress.

Full travel results and tips available at AOL Travel (http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/22/economy-wont-keep-holiday-travelers-home/).

Methodology
AOL Travel collaborated with Data Specialists, Inc., a leading online marketing research agency, to conduct a survey providing insights to Holiday Travel for 2010. DSI gathered data from a national sample of 1,001 internet users (age 18+) who are traveling for the holidays. The survey was completed from November 2-5, 2010.

About Beth Caulfield
As a veteran of AOL and the travel industry, Beth oversees AOL Travel’s original content and is often called on to comment on the travel industry in the press. She connects with fellow travelers through editorial that is actionable, understandable and personal. She speaks in depth about travel tips and tricks, traveling on a budget, and traveling around the holidays. Beth’s travels have taken her around the globe and to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.