(NAPSI)—One of the many long-lasting effects of the pandemic is a shift in the work-life balance. According to a survey by a world leader in travel deals, after a long year of sheltering at home, 92% of Americans plan to travel in 2021—and they don’t plan to hold back.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda: Americans Reflect on Missed Experiences
Americans traveled less in 2020, and they have been feeling the loss in more ways than one:
- Seventy-one percent of Americans didn’t travel at all or traveled less in 2020 than in a typical year.
- Only 1 in 5 used all of their paid timeoff (PTO) in 2020, 19 percent because their company was too busy for them to be away and 29 percent because they wanted to save their time in case they or a loved one got sick.
- More than half regret not taking more time off in 2020. They feel they “wasted” their newfound flexibility and regret not working from different places.
“We’ve all felt the very real burnout that happens when we don’t take the time to recharge and that’s exactly why travel is so important,” explains Liz Dente, @Priceline Chief People Officer. “Traveling is invigorating—it offers a respite from the daily grind, allowing us to disconnect and look at things with fresh eyes.”
A Lesson Learned: The Power of PTO
Many Americans have a renewed appreciation for how beneficial PTO can be. “Taking time off is important for both employees and companies. Employees who use their PTO are happier, healthier, and more productive,” adds Dente.
- Most associate positive feelings with taking time off from work, saying it makes them feel relaxed, happy, and excited.
- Most people, especially parents, say their mental health (78% of parents, 53% of non-parents) and physical health (73% of parents, 48% of non-parents) would have benefited from taking a break.
- Two-thirds of those with a fixed number of PTO days plan on using more vacation and personal days in 2021 than in any other year—ever.
- Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority (82%) say they’re likely to use their remaining 2021 vacation days before the end of the year, and one in six (16%) plan to use all their days off for one vacation.
So how are Americans traveling and where are they going?
- Sixty-two percent of those with limited PTO will be vacationing in a place they’ve never been before.
- Sixty-one percent of those with limited PTO will take a trip based on a personal passion.
- One in three will embark on a road trip.
- Thirty-two percent plan to visit family or friends because the pandemic made them realize how important those moments are.
- More than half plan to tackle destinations on their bucket lists.
Money Still Matters
As they plan these trips, however, saving money is more important than ever, with 74% agreeing that travel deals are important.
For many, Priceline is the best way for travelers to book the trip they want at prices they can afford. Offering up to 60% off hotel stays as well as incredible deals on flights and car rentals, the company saves consumers over a billion dollars a year, so they never have to miss the moments that matter. To help Americans recharge and take advantage of their PTO, Priceline offers exclusive coupons and big deals on hotels, car rentals, and flights for 2021.
Learn More
For further facts and to see what deals are available, visit www.priceline.com.