According to Longwoods International’s latest Covid and American Travel Sentiment survey, 60% of American travelers believe that the rising cost of gasoline will affect their decision to travel in the next six months. Almost a third of respondents say that the impact will be huge.
This latest data is troubling for those in the U.S. travel industry, a report said. While rising gas prices will not cause the cancellation of road trips, the more expensive price can affect consumer choices regarding how frequently travelers decide to spend on the road, as well as the distance they travel.
“This increased expense might not only limit the number of trips travelers take, but also lead to selecting destinations closer to home or reducing their spending on items like meals, accommodations, and souvenirs as they travel,” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International.
Eylon said that travelers are likely to stay at cheaper accommodations, including properties with limited service. Long-haul road trips are also expected to be less frequent if gas prices remain at a high.
New data from Arrivalist’s Daily Travel Index, looking at the last three years, show the strong connection between the price of gas and road trips in the United States of more than 50 miles.
However, 92% of those who participated in the Longwoods International survey indicated they would travel in the coming six months. Only 21% expressed concern regarding Covid than the 33% last year.
According to the survey, leading activities for almost half of Americans are visiting relatives or friends and road trips. Most of them plan to head outdoors. Others plan to go to theme parks and cities, as well as attend festivals or events.
This story originally appeared on Skift.