CarTrawler Report: Large Majority Excited To Travel Again

According to CarTrawler, a new report reveals a widespread positivity towards travel, a desire for more flexibility and transparency from travel companies, and a willingness to pay for greater green travel options. This new research was revealed in a consumer insight report for 2022, published on The Evolution of Travel: CarTrawler’s Consumer Trends for 2022.

1,000 people were surveyed in the UK and the US, and the research reveals that almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents showed positive feelings towards travel as people are looking forward to travelling again after the pandemic disturbance. Excitement (39%), followed by anticipation (29%) and happiness (9%) are the main positive sentiments felt, with 51% expecting to do more leisure travel in the next year, while 43% expect to go on more international leisure travel this year.

Despite this, travel customers are expecting that the global industry provides more convenience, flexibility, and transparency when booking a trip. 61% of the people want things to be easier during the booking process, while 55% want to book the flight and the car at the same time.

Over one-third (36%) of people are concerned about the flight/bookings cancellation when booking a trip, and predictably, almost three-quarters (73%) are willing to spend more on flight insurance now than before the pandemic. In addition (86%) of the travellers, are enrolled in a loyalty program, saving hundreds in the process.

While some travellers are still worried about their health due to Covid-19, only 36% of those who have travelled have health and safety concerns. 41% of people admitted that they feel safer and cleaner to be on the plane now, and over one-third (34%) said they feel more confident flying due to the Covid-19 regulations.

In the last two years, 85% of travellers went on road trips, while being conscious of the restrictions on air travel during the pandemic. Most of them estimate eco-conscious options when booking a car as part of their trip. The top reason travellers would choose to rent a car is that they care about the environment – beating out “saving money on fuel” as reason number two. Almost three-quarters (73%) want to pay more to rent a sustainable and environment-friendly car and over half (52%) would prefer airlines that have pledged to be carbon neutral. Indeed, this demonstrates it pays for brands to go green.

Commenting on the findings, CarTrawler CEO Cormac Barry said:

“The last two years have forced the travel industry and travellers themselves to adapt and evolve. Beyond the pandemic, the industry must recognize and adjust to the behaviours of today’s travellers. People are more tech and environmentally savvy and expect the brands they engage with to be the same.

CarTrawler’s purpose is driving successful partnerships and as we set out to define the future of human travel tech, we hope this report delivers valuable insight into what is driving consumers’ decision making and can act as a blueprint for brands as they adapt to the new realities of travel.”

Full access to The Evolution of Travel: CarTrawler’s Consumer Trends for 2022 is available here.