Despite the current economic downturn, most travelers surveyed intend to keep traveling in 2009 rather than give up their vacations, according to TravelMuse, Inc. The company and other leading travel experts believe consumers will be more value-conscious than ever -- but will still assert their right to travel. A recent survey conducted by TravelMuse shows more than 77 percent of respondents plan to cut spending in other areas in order to keep their travel plans in 2009. In a recent “2009 Travel Trends” survey conducted on TravelMuse.com, respondents also indicated they would rather give up material goods (newspapers, new car, event tickets), cut back (make espressos and lunches at home) and even downsize (smaller lattes) than part with vacations. People are giving up dining (55 percent), apparel (47.1 percent), pampering (37.6 percent) and electronics (34.3 percent) to travel in 2009. Sixty-two percent plan on taking the same or more leisure trips in 2009 as they did in 2008. Just under 65 percent said vacations are very important and 67.8 percent plan to travel within the United States. For 2009 travelers, value is key.

The most recent U.S. Travel Association-Ypartnership travelhorizons survey (October 2008) showed that for 2009, consumers were more likely to pursue “good values” when planning trips -- 76 percent of respondents expected to book a packaged vacation to save money, while 67 percent planned to stay fewer nights and/or spend less on food and entertainment when traveling. For more information, visit www.travelmuse.com.
 

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