Americans are tired of lousy vacations and they’re ready to make some major sacrifices to guarantee a perfect getaway.
A shocking new survey just revealed what travelers are willing to give up – and the results might surprise you.
And the perfect vacation isn’t what travel experts have been telling you all along.
The perfect vacation revealed
Go City, a leading attraction pass brand, surveyed 2,000 American travelers to find out what makes for an ideal vacation experience.
The results paint a clear picture of what matters most to travelers. According to the survey, the perfect vacation lasts 11 days and is at least three hours from home.
Six in ten Americans believe this perfect vacation exists right here in the U.S. — no passport or international flights required.
What tops the list for a dream destination? A sunny beach was the runaway winner with 63% of respondents, followed by the great outdoors (53%), a major city (43%), a historic location (42%), or an amusement park (30%).
And while Instagram might make you think your vacation needs to be exotic and high-end, respondents made it clear that it’s the basics that matter most.
The majority of travelers said a perfect vacation must include time to:
- Relax and recuperate (67%);
- Create meaningful moments (63%);
- Enjoy good company (62%); and
- Try new experiences (61%).
“The idea of the ‘perfect’ vacation can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t need to travel halfway around the world to find this,” said Judy Gauthier, Chief Commercial Officer at Go City. “Our research shows it’s often the simple things that matter most—spending time with loved ones, feeling relaxed, and making memories—even if you have to make a few concessions along the way.”
One wrong move could ruin everything
Here’s where things get interesting. A whopping 92% of travelers admitted that if just one aspect of their vacation wasn’t up to par, it would ruin the entire trip.
The biggest vacation-killers include:
- Unexpected costs and hidden fees (45%);
- Travel problems like flight delays and lost luggage (44%);
- Bad weather (41%);
- Inconveniently located hotels (40%);
- Poorly regulated room temperature (35%);
- Disappointing food (34%); and
- An uncomfortable bed (31%).
Nothing destroys a week of relaxation like getting hit with surprise resort fees or spending the first day of your trip hunting for your lost suitcase.
What Americans are willing to sacrifice
Here’s where it gets really interesting. A stunning 88% of respondents said they would sacrifice certain comforts to guarantee a better vacation.
The top things Americans are willing to give up include:
- Staying at a cheaper hotel (33% would pay more for a better place);
- Three months of splurging before the trip (32%);
- Extra legroom on flights (28%);
- Any access beyond economy on a full flight (21%); and
- Having a carry-on bag (19%).
That’s right – nearly one in five travelers would give up their carry-on bag if it meant having a better overall vacation experience. That’s a lot of people willing to wear the same outfit for a week if it means better memories!
In exchange for these sacrifices, travelers want:
- More time to relax (29%);
- More money for food and drinks (28%);
- An upgraded hotel room with a view and free breakfast (27%); and
- Premium vacation experiences like skip-the-line passes and VIP access (23%).
The survey makes it clear that Americans have their priorities straight. They’re willing to be uncomfortable for a few hours on a flight if it means more authentic experiences once they arrive.
Planning for perfection
“Every vacation deserves to be ‘perfect,'” Gauthier added. “What really makes the difference is knowing how to travel smarter to make your trip as stress-free as possible. A well-planned trip that balances activities and downtime with little indulgences like skip the line passes, flexible reservations, and an upgraded view can turn a good trip into a great one.”
Go City offers attraction passes that let travelers skip lines at popular attractions and maintain flexibility with their plans – which directly addresses some of the top vacation-ruiners identified in the survey.
From bucket-list landmarks to quirky museums, walking tours, magic shows, and adventures like jet-skiing and zip-lining, the right planning tools can help travelers get more value while avoiding the pitfalls that turn dream vacations into nightmares.
The research makes one thing crystal clear: Americans know what they want from their vacations, and they’re savvy enough to make smart trade-offs to get it.
