Americans to stay closer to home this summer

Spring is in the air in many parts of North America, and in the United States, people are taking the change in weather as a cue to start planning their summer holidays. This year, sales are up on domestic and nearby destinations; up as much as 30 percent for places like Montana, Alaska and Costa Rica.

Demand for continental destinations is high this year, and for many reasons according to director and founding partner of Austin-Lehman Adventures, Dan Austin, who says, ‘Travelers are staying closer to home due to economic concerns, the weak dollar and election-year jitters,’ he says. ‘But the good news is that folks are still traveling. ‘We are hearing from clients that they are not afraid to travel this year, but that they are being more careful with their time and money.’

With plane fares being an issue, many Americans, if travelling abroad, will stick to safe spots like Canada’s Whistler ski resort in British Columbia.

‘We know that families are time-challenged and want the most from a destination once they reach it. This year, two of our most popular trips for families (ages 7 and up) are 6 day / 5 night adventures in Yosemite National Park and Whistler, BC that feature single-lodge based stays so that folks don’t have to pack up and move one or more times during the week.’