A new Cheapflights.com survey shows 85 percent of Americans are more likely to return to places they’ve already been for vacation instead of heading to new destinations.
“Most of us are creatures of habit,” said Dr. Jane McCartney, a chartered psychologist. “It is natural for us to want to know what we are doing, when we are doing it and with whom.”
Respondents cited good weather, good prices and a location’s ability to deliver peace of mind as prime motivators for returning to a destination they’ve already visited. But the cost of a vacation can also be the biggest deal breaker – rising prices are the main reason Americans stop returning to a particular destination.
Florida, Las Vegas and the Caribbean top the list of places Americans travel to repeatedly. Those who have frequented these ‘deja vu destinations’ have typically used the same airports, visited the same restaurants and flown with the same airlines during their vacations. Ten percent or more have even taken the same photo, eaten the same meal or stayed in the same room.
“Explore the reasons why you like (and return to) a particular destination – and be honest with yourself,” advised McCartney. “It’s ok to engage in repeated behavior, but it’s also important to be clear about why you’re doing it – and perhaps mix it up once in a while. You’ll probably surprise yourself with the conclusions.”
Cheapflights’ survey indicates most Americans would like to mix it up by heading to Australia, New Zealand or Alaska. Let’s hope these travel dreams come true in 2013!
(Main image: Edwin Torres Photography)
