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US Travelers’ Lodging Preferences: Insights into Their Planning and Booking Patterns – Image Credit Pexels
- Travelers in the US increasingly use online travel agencies for lodging bookings, with younger travelers under 55 showing a preference for these platforms.
- Social platforms play a significant role in lodging choices, particularly among frequent travelers who take six or more annual trips. Instagram and TikTok are their preferred platforms.
US travelers have been booking lodging at an increased rate, with the 12 months leading to July 2024 showing a slight rise compared to the previous year. The research conducted by Phocuswright reveals that most travelers begin their planning process with a particular destination in mind. At the same time, approximately one-third of them need to decide between a few options.
The report, “U.S. Consumer Travel 2024: Lodging,” further elaborates that the choice of lodging significantly influences travelers’ destination preferences, with 22% of them considering the price of lodging when selecting a destination.
The study also highlights the increasing role of social platforms in shaping travelers’ lodging decisions. Half of the travelers relied on social media for lodging choices, with this usage varying significantly based on age demographics. The research suggests that frequent travelers, taking six or more trips annually, tend to utilize social platforms more extensively during their trip planning and execution, with Instagram and TikTok being their most favored platforms.
When it comes to booking, online travel agencies (OTAs) are the preferred choice among US travelers, even more so than direct booking, which has seen a slight decline in the 12 months studied. Younger travelers below the age of 55 show a significant preference for OTAs. Direct online bookings are the preferred method for older travelers, mostly driven by loyalty program incentives.
However, regardless of the booking method chosen, all travelers agreed on one aspect—the process needs to be simple and user-friendly. The comprehensive survey report provides a detailed view of American leisure travelers’ evolving behaviors and preferences, offering valuable insights into lodging selection and booking trends.
