The coronavirus equation
The COVID-19 pandemic was the deciding factor for most consumers, with 72% saying it directly affected summer travel plans. For 48%, it was influencing them to take fewer road trips than previously planned, and 24% said it was shortening the distance of their planned trips. Another 36% said the pandemic was making them cancel trips that required flying.
“There could be a surge in last-minute, shorter road trips in the second half of summer as people continue to assess the situation,” said Sarah McCrary, CEO of Boston-based GasBuddy.
In terms of destinations, most survey participants—or 6 in 10—said they planned to visit friends and family. Another 38% said they would head to a beach or lake, and 24% planned to visit a national park.