According to new research, nearly two-thirds of Americans are chasing the seasons.
A survey of 2,000 American adults revealed that 65% either already want to go “season chasing”, or intentionally travel to a destination to experience a specific season.
Among the 22% who have already done so and the 43% who want to take advantage of the opportunity, fall is ranked as the best season to pursue (51%).
But despite the changing seasons, there is no shortage of sites to see in summer (32%), spring (26%) and winter (22%).
Top must-see destinations include Fall or Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts (27%), ranking No. 1.
This was followed by winter beaches in Florida (25%), changing leaves in Vermont or New England (24%), cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, and spring or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana (24%).
Leos choose to experience summer in Cape Cod (27%), while Sagittarius head to the slopes for winter and snow sports in Colorado (22%) and Taurus head to the Blue Ridge Parkway (19%) ) but let’s watch the changing leaves.
What elements can make or break season chasing?
Climate or temperature (43%), who they are traveling with (37%), and sites or views (36%) ranked as the top three most important elements.
The results, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Zipcar, also revealed that nearly three in five (59%) Americans would also be likely to take a spontaneous trip.
According to those respondents, the best spontaneous visits occur at 10:12 a.m. on Friday (39%) or Saturday (31%).
The best travel companions include their partner or spouse (47%), their children (28%), or their best friend (26%). Nearly a quarter (26%) would prefer to do their spontaneous travel alone.
While 64% will use their own vehicle, for almost a quarter (21%) shared vehicle or rental is another popular option.
Geminis (28%) are most likely to opt for car-share, followed by Capricorns (25%) and Sagittarius (25%).
What is the appeal of car-share?
Many say it reduces stress because they don’t have to worry about their vehicle (46%).
Others said it is more convenient (39%), affordable (20%) and accessible (20%) than car ownership. One in five Aries (21%) also believe it is a more environmentally friendly choice than any other zodiac sign.
“Most Americans across the country are interested in chasing in all seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall. Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Florida for the weekend or heading to Washington DC to enjoy the cherry blossoms, there is no shortage of destinations that are a drive away,” said Angelo Adams, head of Zipcar.
According to the results, 74% of Americans surveyed own a vehicle.
For those respondents, maintenance costs, such as gas, parking and insurance (54%) and maintenance costs, such as a broken windshield or non-functioning air conditioning (52%), are the worst part of owning their own car.
Other car owners worry about how many miles they’re putting on it (21%) or even the task of finding parking (15%).
Three in five (58%) admit that without those extra costs, they would travel more.
Of those who do not own a vehicle (26%), 61% admit that they feel limited in their travel abilities because they cannot access a vehicle.
“According to nearly 60% of non-car owner respondents, convenient access to a car provides the freedom to simply get up and go,” said Angelo Adams, president of Zipcar. “Imagine a world without the stresses of car ownership, while still having the ability to chase the weather, visit friends and family, or even go to the grocery store and appointments? The good news is that there are options for wheels when you want them, without the stress.”
Even if they have their own car, respondents said the top two things that would improve their lives were being able to drive to destinations they want to visit (35%) and visiting with friends and family more often. (34%). ,
Survey Method:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; The survey was commissioned by Zipcar and administered by Talker Research and conducted online between October 11 and October 17, 2024.