The unofficial kickoff of the summer vacation season last week found a growing number of people on the move, marking a steady return to travel as the economy recovers and consumer confidence improves. In fact, if the surveys and forecasts are right, 2013 could prove to be one of the strongest summers on record. Incentives, promotions, value-adds and a bounty of new apps are also helping to fuel interest in and demand for travel.
Researchers and travel executives are encountering a few surprises as they look into what’s hot, what’s trending, who is traveling and what role price is playing in consumers’ decisions to hit the road or stay home. Click here to see a chart depicting the results of an Orbitz.com booking data and summer travel survey.