TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual fall travel survey of more than 1,800 travelers worldwide, revealing that 84 percent of respondents plan to take vacations this autumn, up slightly from 83 percent last fall. Sixty-nine percent of respondents intend to fly in autumn, despite being exasperated over airline delays and cancellations.

To Air is Human, But Flying Not Devine

While travelers appear committed to taking to the air this fall, they are not without their gripes. Fifty-three percent of travelers said recent airline delays and cancellations are completely out of hand, and people shouldn't have to wait on a plane for more than an hour. Thirty-seven percent believe that while delays are inevitable, airlines should have a maximum number of hours they can keep people on a plane. Fifteen percent of travelers expect to fly less in the coming 12 months than they did in the past 12 months, because of the recent airline problems.

Fall in New England is "Unbeleafable"

Thirty-seven percent of worldwide travelers, and 42 percent of Americans, will take a trip to see the fall foliage this year. For the third straight year, New England is the preferred region for leaf-peepers, with Vermont rated as the most popular state.

Travelers Pumping Up and Beachy Keen

Twenty-eight percent of U.S. travelers plan to take more car trips in the fall, because of dropping gas prices. Despite cooler temperatures in many regions, travelers worldwide still love the sun and sand, as 38 percent (and 37 percent of Americans) will visit a beach destination this fall.

Autumn Amnesty from Tourist Traffic

More than half of respondents (52 percent) believe the greatest incentive to travel in the fall is fewer tourists and crowds. Bargains were next on the list, as 35 percent of travelers are drawn to reduced fall rates on lodging and transportation. Thirty-seven percent of travelers find service at hotels and restaurants improves after the summer rush.

Amorous Autumn

The most popular type of vacation for travelers this fall is a romantic getaway, according to 25 percent of respondents. Eighteen percent intend to take a family adventure.

Chained to the Office

The greatest deterrent for fall vacations is a busy work schedule, according to 28 percent of travelers. Eighteen percent noted they don't have enough vacation days available for an autumn trip and 15 percent said they are saving money due to concerns over the economy. Fourteen percent consider hurricanes the biggest deterrent to taking a fall trip.

Hitting the Road for Labor Day

In a separate survey of more than 600 U.S. travelers conducted on August 27, 43 percent plan to travel this Labor Day, compared to 38 percent, last year. Sixty-eight percent of respondents plan to drive this Labor Day, compared to 62 percent for the same holiday weekend last year and 29 percent intend to fly this Labor Day, compared to 34 percent last year.

"Travelers appear resigned to groan and bear it when it comes to airline delays and cancellations this fall," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "For many destinations, their hands are tied as flying is the only option."

  Top 5 U.S. Cities for Fall Travel, According to the Survey:
  1. New York City
  2. Las Vegas
  3. Boston
  4. San Francisco
  5. Washington, D.C.

  Top 5 European Cities for Fall Travel, According to the Survey:
  1. London
  2. Paris
  3. Rome
  4. Amsterdam
  5. Barcelona

  About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 28 million monthly visitors (source: comScore Media Metrix, Digital Calculator Report, June 2007) across eight popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R) sites, bookingbuddy.com (TM), cruisecritic.com(TM), independenttraveler.com(TM), seatguru.com(R), smartertravel.com(TM), travel- library.com(TM) and travelpod.com(TM). TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with nearly 22 million monthly visitors, five million registered members and 10 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 270,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr/) and Germany (http://www.tripadvisor.de/). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry, worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. .

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor