Bungee Jumping, Taking a Safari and Flying First Class: Survey Reveals Game Plan for Travel Bucket Lists

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May 12, 2014, 11:40 ET

BETHESDA, Md., May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SpringHill Suites by Marriott's fifth annual travel attitude survey reveals that Americans are looking to step outside of their comfort zones to achieve their travel bucket lists. According to the survey, conducted by Kelton Global, 48 percent say vacationing to see new places is important to them.

What activities top today's travel bucket lists?

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Flying first class (30 percent)
Researching their heritage (26 percent)
Setting foot on all seven continents (24 percent)
Taking an African safari (21 percent)
Hiking a famous trail or mountain (18 percent)
Visiting a place in every time zone (17 percent)
Filling every page of their passport (17 percent)
Bungee jumping or sky diving while on vacation (14 percent)

Curiosity and ambition abound with today's millennial travelers. As compared to those 35 and up, millennials (18-34) have a greater sense of adventure and stronger desire to experience every bucket list item included in the survey. The most notable differences come with the adventurous activities, including setting foot on all seven continents (37 percent vs. 17 percent), bungee jumping or skydiving (26 percent vs. 6 percent) and hiking a famous mountain or trail (29 percent vs. 11 percent). But, with everything from taking a safari to researching their heritage, travelers want more out of their vacations than just a pretty beach

"Our annual survey confirms that millennials crave adventure and welcome the unexpected," said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager for SpringHill Suites. "We see ourselves as their partner along the way and with more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada, we are ready to help our guests explore new places and create memorable experiences."

The excitement begins as early as when Americans decide where they're going, said 29 percent. But, the job still dictates decision making with more than half (51 percent) of workers saying they are not encouraged by their bosses to take all of their allotted vacation days and 23 percent claiming they get no paid vacation days at all.

Conquering the ultimate travel bucket list takes time and Americans are getting creative when it comes to finding time to do so. More than half (55 percent) of employed Americans with a boss have used an excuse to sneak an unplanned day off from work, with millennials even more likely to use this tactic (63 percent, compared to 48 percent of those over the age of 35). Seventy-one percent of those who gave an excuse claimed to be sick, 41 percent have said a family member was sick, and 28 percent used an excuse of car trouble.

Creativity does not stop at finding time off from work. Americans continue to find new ways to save money throughout the year in order to be able to afford their vacations. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of those who travel with their family have given something up to do so, including purchasing big-ticket items such as televisions and electronics (54 percent), small ticket-items such as new clothes (43 percent) and even everyday activities such as going to the movies (47 percent) or eating out (43 percent). Forty-one percent of Americans say keeping an eye on their budget is the most stressful thing about vacationing.

After all of the steps Americans take to be able to take that coveted vacation, being truly disconnected is a thing of the past. Increasing significantly since 2010, more than one in four (28 percent) wouldn't be able to go without checking their email today compared to 17 percent just four years ago. But, it's not just work keeping Americans glued to their devices. While exploring the destination, the top activities vacationers with smartphones use their device for besides making calls are to take photos and videos (37 percent), search the web (22 percent) and use GPS/map apps to get around (20 percent). And 59 percent of social media users access their networks on vacation, with about half (51 percent) posting content at least as often as they would during their daily routine.

Additional 2014 Travel Trends:

Keep Your Eyes & Heart Open - 26 percent report having met a life-long friend, spouse or significant other while on vacation
Wanderlust Sweeps the Nation - 60 percent wish they could travel more often
What Happens on Vacation… - 68 percent admit there is something they would do in a hotel that they would never do at home
Culture Exchange - 44 percent say it's important to visit places to experience other cultures in person
Live Like a Local - 90 percent would seek out art or local culture while on vacation
Keeping the Faith - 28 percent would not be able to go without praying while on vacation
A "Post" is Worth 1,000 Words - nearly half (46 percent) of millennials find travel inspiration from viewing videos or photos online

About the Survey
The 5th Annual SpringHill Suites Travel Survey was conducted by Kelton Global between March 11 and March 19, 2014 among 1,003 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the entire U.S. populations ages 18 and over.

About Kelton Global
Kelton Global is a leading global insights firm serving as a partner to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and thousands of smaller companies and organizations. Utilizing a wide range of customized, innovative research techniques and staff expertise in marketing, branding, PR, media, and business strategy, Kelton helps drive our clients' businesses forward.

For more information about Kelton Global, please call 1.888.8.KELTON or visit www.keltonglobal.com.

About SpringHill Suites
SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all-suite brand that offers design and style at an affordable price, appealing to both business and leisure travelers. Ranked highest in the Guest Satisfaction Study for the Upscale Brand Segment by J.D. Power and Associates' 2012 North America Guest Satisfaction Index Study, the brand features spacious suites and smart layouts that allow guests to relax and reenergize. Launched in 1998, the brand currently has more than 300 locations in the United States and Canada. SpringHill Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards^® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the SpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit www.springhillsuites.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/springhillsuites or follow SpringHill at www.twitter.com/springhillsuite.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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