Executive Summaries

Leisure Travel Planning: How Consumers Make Travel Decisions

Table of Contents

In the transparent Internet environment, consumers have more travel choices than ever before and price competition is evident across the travel industry. Yet is price always top of mind with consumers when planning travel? What other factors influence consumers as they make travel decisions? This landmark study of over 5,000 traveling consumers provides an in-depth analysis of consumer travel decision-making and planning patterns. The report includes an examination of the primary influencers behind consumers' travel choices regarding destinations, transportation modes, and accommodations. Influences on choice of airline and hotel/motel brand are also reviewed. Study results are also segmented by four popular leisure trip occasions: entertainment, family-centered, outdoor recreation, and combined business/pleasure. Released May 2005.