AAA Report: How Many Families Will Vacation in 2017?

Image: PHOTO: Most American families are planning to take a road trip or visit a national park in 2017. (Photo via Flickr/LassenNPS)
Image: PHOTO: Most American families are planning to take a road trip or visit a national park in 2017. (Photo via Flickr/LassenNPS)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Tue February 7, 2017

More than one-third of Americans (35 percent) plan to take a family vacation 50 miles or more from home with two or more immediate family members in 2017, according to a survey from AAA.

While the figure is in line with last year's mark, family travelers appear to be eyeing more trips this time around, with a sizable 28 percent planning to take three or more vacations this year. That number is 13 percentage points higher than in 2016.

Most families will take road trips in 2017, with 79 percent planning to hit the road together. According to AAA's research, 10 percent more families will road trip this year compared to last.

Others will explore national parks (51 percent) and theme parks (40 percent) or visit international destinations (33 percent). Guided tours (22 percent) and ocean cruises (20 percent) are also among the more common types of family vacations Americans are planning this year.

[READMORE] READ MORE: Where Will Americans Vacation in 2017? [/READMORE]

"While many Americans enjoy the flexibility of a road trip, there are some families who prefer the structure and convenience of a group tour," said AAA's senior vice president of Travel and Publishing Bill Sutherland in a statement. "Many tours are specially designed for multi-generational groups, plus there's no better way to learn about a destination than from a knowledgeable, local guide."

The latest survey comes on the heels of another AAA poll that found 42 percent of Americans plan to take a vacation in 2017, with 30 percent of American adults indicating that they are more likely to take a break this year compared to last.

"Families continue to see the value of traveling as a way to bond and reconnect in today's busy world," added Sutherland. "The best way to wrap up a family vacation is to start planning the next one, as more and more Americans are starting to do."


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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