For Many Americans, Planning A Trip May Be The Best Part Of Vacation

For two-thirds of Americans, the best part of vacation may happen before the plane even takes off. A new survey finds that 68% of U.S. adults say the anticipation of their next getaway is just as good as — or even better than — the trip itself.

The survey of 2,000 people whove traveled within the past year, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Virgin and the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard, reveals the emotional rollercoaster surrounding travel — from the thrill of planning to the inevitable post-vacation letdown.

Although more than half (54%) said that being at the destination is the most enjoyable part of travel, nearly one in three (28%) found planning the trip to be the most fun. On the other end of the spectrum, a clear 78% agreed that returning home is the worst part of the experience.

For some, the vacation blues begin before the return flight. About one in 10 respondents said they experienced a “post-vacation funk” before the trip had even ended, while another 22% felt it hit during the journey home. Among those who feel the funk, 41% said they miss the destination, 35% miss having something to look forward to, and 34% find themselves already thinking about the next trip.

In fact, 31% of travelers admit to planning their next vacation while still on one. Another 47% said they havent done that yet — but they would if it could help ease their comedown. Nearly half (47%) said they would book a last-minute trip just to satisfy the urge to travel again.

The craving runs deep. A quarter of respondents (26%) said they crave the “buzz” of having a trip to look forward to during most weeks. Many would even make sacrifices for a free vacation — offering to forgo “a weeks pay,” “eating out for a month,” or “listening to music for a week.”

As for timing, the consensus is that planning fewer than two weeks out is cutting it too close. The average person is currently thinking about four trips and has two already in the works. Among those looking forward to their next vacation, 43% have been planning it for over two months. And 70% say their next trip is constantly on their mind.

“With 64% of people admitting to daydreaming about their last trip, its clear the travel bug is alive and well,” said Kelly Best, managing director of product and customer experience and marketing at Virgin Group. “We see that wanderlust as a sign: Its time to stop dreaming and start planning.”

For many, vacation is more than just a break — it’s a form of self-care. Respondents said travel beats out going to a spa (83%), watching a favorite show or movie (76%), or treating themselves to something nice (69%).

And while Americans are prioritizing getaways, theyre also being strategic about it. Nearly half (46%) save their paid time off specifically for travel. When it comes to covering costs, two-thirds say they use credit cards with the goal of earning rewards, and 41% specifically prefer travel perks.

“It makes perfect sense that 79% of reward card users feel using points makes trips more affordable,” Best said. “With the right travel rewards credit card, every checkout means youre one step closer to your next check-in.”