The latest phenomenon in pandemic travel behavior – the ‘tripping point’

If you’ve been feeling like the past seven months or so have been a challenge, you probably know you aren’t alone. This year, the balancing act required to cope with new realities of work, school, household chores and other obligations has become monotonous and overwhelming, especially without opportunities for a much-needed vacation.

Introducing the latest phenomenon in pandemic travel behavior: the “tripping point.”

Expedia defines the tripping point as the intense need for a break from the routine and the moment at which day-to-day responsibilities become too much and result in the desperate need for a change of scenery.

And just as one might expect, these feelings are extremely common: According to a recent survey from Expedia, 80 percent of American adults between the ages of 18-45 say they’ve already hit their tripping point since lockdowns were introduced earlier in the year. Moreover, on average it only took 27 days to get to that point, though around a quarter of respondents said they hit their tripping point within the first week of lockdowns.

An escape from the day-to-day

Needing to get out of the house and a change of scenery (46 percent) and wanting some alone time (25 percent) were the most common reasons respondents found themselves at the tripping point, causing many people to seek relief via a quick road trip or staycation (28 percent). Others embraced self-care habits like meditation or yoga (41 percent) or spent more time outdoors (28 percent).

Another effective way to stave off the tripping point? Future-trip planning. One in five respondents used the time at home to research a big trip to take after restrictions eased, resulting in spikes in searches to places like the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Maldives.

Once travel restrictions eased a little, it only took about 20 days for travelers to book a trip away from home, proving the time researching was well-spent.

Looking forward to the next trip

For many, travel disruptions and limitations have only strengthened the desire for a trip; survey data reveals that 44 percent of Americans are planning travel between October and December.

Results also shed light on where travelers are most likely to go when they’re ready to travel freely, whether it’s visiting out-of-town friends and family (27 percent), heading somewhere they’ve never been within the U.S. (24 percent), or rescheduling a trip they couldn’t take this year (20 percent).

Your lockdown living situation could be shaping your travel plans

Whether the ideal next trip is a beach vacation or solo adventure tends to vary and turns out it has a lot to do with who you spent lockdown living with. Expedia survey results found:

• Individuals who moved back in with parents or grandparents or who lived alone during lockdown are most likely to desire a luxury, 5-star vacation with pampering and spa treatments
• Parents and those living with roommates put family-friendly activities and accommodations at the top of their lists for their next trip
• Couples without kids are most likely to want an all-inclusive resort experience when they travel next

Luckily, no matter the type of trip, accommodations or top priorities, Expedia has you covered whenever you’re ready to get away next.

• Browse deals on 4 and 5-star accommodations for a dose of affordable luxury
• Reset with a mini-break and check out weekend getaway ideas nearby
• Beach vacation calling your name? Get inspired searching for All-Inclusive resorts

With COVID-19, it’s important to stay safe and up to date on the latest travel guidance and restrictions. Find out what to expect, how to find flexible travel and other information on the Expedia COVID-19 travel guide.

Have you reached your tripping point yet?