Despite long lines at airports and rising inflation, travelers are ready to hit the road this summer. A report by Deloitte Insights found that 46 percent of Americans are planning to take a trip this year that involves staying in a hotel or other paid lodging. The Summer Travel Survey found that travelers have emerged from two years of travel restrictions ready to get back to their regular vacation plans. 

The report found that most travelers are planning to take two trips this summer and that road trips are the preference over flights. 

Travelers under 50 remain the most willing to head out on the open road this summer, while those over 50 are still experiencing some post COVID-19 hesitancy. The busiest travel months are expected to be June and July as travelers who are planning longer trips choose these two months for their holidays. 

There also remains some lingering financial hesitancy among Americans who now face increased prices for most domestic products as inflation continues to rise. However, the report found that those Americans who do plan to travel are opening their wallets with nearly 3 in 10 travelers planning to spend more than in 2019. 

Travelers are also ready to go further for travel than in previous years, with 15 percent of Americans planning on taking international flights. The report found that 54 percent of Americans feel air travel is safe once again. However, ongoing testing and travel restrictions have left many travelers hesitant to make international journeys. 

The remaining travelers plan to explore their own backyard with 67 percent expected to stay in U.S. hotels and 16 percent planning to stay in rentals. 

This is a popular post COVID-19 trend as travelers are booking lodgings where there is a decreased risk of catching the disease. At the beginning of the pandemic, one third of travelers surveyed for the report began staying in rentals. This has grown to 7 in 10 preferring a rental facility over traditional hotels. 

Demographics are also changing as a new type of post COVID-19 traveler emerges. Today’s travelers have more money, according to the report and are planning to combine work and travel. They are also more willing to take longer vacations than the traditional long weekend or two weeks vacation of past generations.