Summer Vacation Plans? Not So Much – A Record Low!

Disney Land? My grandkids aren't going.  Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada? My family isn't going.  Even my "milestone" class reunion in Lakota, North Dakota -I'm not going.  Point is, even from my limited perspective, travel is off the table for millions of Americans this summer.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 51% of American Adults took a summer vacation last year, but just 26% - a new low - plan to do so this summer. Even in the years immediately following the Wall Street meltdown in 2008-the so called great recession-travel plans never fell below the mid-30's.

Forbes Magazine took a look at travel plans recently and in terms of when can travel resume Forbes' answer was, "The short answer is, no one knows...Right now, the U.S. State Department advises against all international travel and has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory (“Do Not Travel”) without a specified end date. ...Travel within the USA, despite not being formally banned, should also be avoided for the time being unless it’s essential."

.But if you feel the need to get out of dodge Forbes says, " travelers may wish to choose destinations where you get around by private car (your own or a rental) instead of relying on crowded public transportation. Choosing vacation rentals or apartments instead of hotels can also reduce your exposure to the public and give you space to prepare meals if restaurants are closed....Lastly, look for places that offer plenty of backup activities."