I read several articles predicting Americans will take shorter vacations and spend less money on travel in 2010. Less than 2009, really? I believe this is false. The American baby boomer is aging and travel is coveted above almost all other expenses by this demographic. I think you will see less spending on autos (smaller, cheaper cars), less spending on health care (we are all getting a public option?), less spending on taxes (we are all making less money? or have net loss carry-forwards), and less spending on consumer goods (less households being formed.)
No, 2010 will see an increase in spending on vacations. People will have more time to vacation because work hours are going to be shortened to incent more people on the payroll. I predict the American standard work week will begin to look more like Europe - 30-35 hours. That forced vacation time will increase. “Furlong” will be a 2010 term.
Americans may begin to travel and vacation like Europeans. Resort owners call Europeans ‘aligators’ - because they tend to stick close to their longer term vacation rentals, they do less and lay in the sun more than Americans while on vacation. Americans run around and see and “do” stuff on vacation, frantically fitting more into a 7-10 day annual break. Europeans spend much less per capita on vacation, but they spend more time in one place.
Yes, America will be much more European in 2010. We will go for longer vacations and eat in on those nights. Look for resorts that offer rooms with kitchens or fridges to be more popular. Discount rates for longer term stays to attract more U.S. travels who have been told - ‘enjoy life’.
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