SURVEY SAYS: Is Your Summer Vacation Back ‘On’?

PLANSPONSOR NewsDash readers share whether they will be taking a summer vacation this year and whether it will be similar to pre-pandemic vacations.

Summer vacation plans were derailed for many Americans last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems like a number of people feel comfortable taking a vacation even before the summer months this year.

Last week, I asked NewsDash readers, “Is your summer vacation back ‘on’ this year, and will it be the same as pre-pandemic vacations or will you be taking a stepped down vacation to be cautious?”

Nearly three-quarters (73.3%) of responding readers work in a plan sponsor role. Ten percent are recordkeepers/TPAs/investment consultants; 6.7% are advisers/consultants; 6.7% are attorneys; and 3.3% are CPAs.

More than six in 10 responding readers (63.3%) said they will be taking a summer vacation this year, while 13.3% said they will not and nearly one-quarter (23.3%) said they don’t know.

Four in 10 (40.7%) indicated their summer vacation will be similar to pre-pandemic vacations, but 37% indicated they will be taking a stepped down vacation to be cautious. However, 7.4% reported that they will be stepping up their vacations to make up for the restrictions of the past year. The rest of respondents said they don’t know what their summer vacation will be like.

The majority of readers who left comments are looking forward to taking a vacation, with a couple saying it will be after vaccinations and others mentioning that they will be driving instead of flying. One reader said, “I now feel comfortable to move around the country, but won’t be going out of the U.S.” Some readers indicated their vacations were or will be stepped down because of places that are not or will not be open, and one reader shared how their switch in vacation destinations made things better. Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who said: “I cannot wait! Stuck inside, not going anywhere…when I’m ready, I’m taking a vacation…my mind and body (plus those I deal with daily) need a break! :)”

A big thank you to all who participated in the survey!

Verbatim

I’ve actually already taken my summer vacation – in March. And hoping for another in September. We went to Hawaii and it was perfect, got there ahead of the tourist rush. But it was sad to see how many of the places I loved to visit had closed shop (farewell, Holuakoa Cafe, what a wonderful place it was).

Won’t be flying, but driving which may be much nicer – but longer.

I am going to go crazy if I don’t get some time at the beach! With that being said, we are driving down, renting a condo, cooking most of our meals and bringing masks for when we go out. We can vacation, we just need to do it responsibly.

Bring it on baby – it’s time to get away!

Heading to the Caribbean to get away and then travel to see family that we haven’t seen in almost a year.

Too busy to plan a vacation to be away. Too many obligations locally.

We only missed one of our four vacations last year; looking forward to the remaining three this year!

I now feel comfortable to move around the country, but won’t be going out of the U.S.

We rent a large house and have around 30 people who stay for a week on the beach. We have missed it and looking forward to this summer when everyone will be vaccinated.

It will be stepped down, but not to be cautious, but because we’re not sure what’s back open yet and if it might be worth waiting another few months/year.

Not a fan of big cities or crowds. Last year, we started focusing on national wildlife refuges instead of national parks. Hardly anyone was out and about. Drive thru for meals and take them back to our room or cabin. Lots of wildlife around. Perfect for us!

I cannot wait! Stuck inside, not going anywhere…when I’m ready, I’m taking a vacation…my mind and body (plus those I deal with daily) need a break! 🙂

When I’m able to be fully vaccinated, I will be more comfortable resuming pre-COVID activities

Looking forward to a permanent vacation as I plan to retire! 🙂

I get the second vaccination shot next week. After that has time to take effect, I plan to get back to “normal” while being careful wherever I go.

???? It depends on quarantine restrictions in other countries.

I doubt we’ll take a vacation; the pandemic isn’t over yet.

Looking forward to traveling again

It will be stepped down, not because I’m being cautious, but due to the moving target that the federal government’s (current, but ever changing) read on the “science” and the restrictions they impose. But have a lot to make up for…

Traveling by car instead of plane.

 

NOTE: Responses reflect the opinions of individual readers and not necessarily the stance of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) or its affiliates.

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