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49% of travelers would prefer to visit a destination requiring COVID-19 vaccination

March 10, 2021
5 min read
Woman wearing protective face mask looking over shoulder while standing at airport
49% of travelers would prefer to visit a destination requiring COVID-19 vaccination
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With three vaccines now available in the U.S. and assurances from the Biden administration that all adults in the country will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of May, many people are finally optimistic that travel is about to make its comeback.

And travelers could be poised to make booking decisions based on vaccination requirements.

Of the Americans who are interested in traveling in 2021, the majority (76%) are as likely, if not more, to travel to a destination or with a travel provider that requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination, according to a new study by TPG. In fact, nearly half (49%) are more likely to travel to a destination or with a provider with this type of requirement — and 31% say they're much more likely to choose a destination or provider requiring travelers to get vaccinated.

TPG partnered with YouGov to survey more than 2,400 U.S. adults between March 1 and March 2, 2021, of whom 64% are eager to travel this year.

Though fewer travelers (34%) would be less likely to select destinations or providers with COVID-19 vaccine requirements, their concerns underscore common anxieties.

Potential travelers who are deterred by vaccine passport requirements (including 42% of Americans who have a desire to travel but are unlikely to get the vaccine) were more likely to cite privacy issues (64%) than health concerns (46%) as reasons they might avoid destinations or travel providers requiring proof of vaccination.

Some people described vaccine requirements as "intrusive" and an "inconvenience." One person said, "The only one that should make decisions about my health is me — not a country, airline or any other business."

But as destinations and travel providers search for ways to welcome back travelers, proof of vaccination will be a widespread and meaningful tool.

Demand for digital health passports that will track vaccination records, COVID-19 test results and other crucial pieces of health data has already swept the globe.

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Airlines, travel trade groups, health organizations, governments and others are all simultaneously devising ways to verify the authenticity of vaccination records and test results and streamline the travel experience.

For more on digital health passports:

Presenting proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine could be a traveler's golden ticket for entrance into a country that will otherwise keep its doors shut, or it could become a requirement for those who want to skip a lengthy quarantine period or rigorous COVID-19 testing requirements.

COVID-19 vaccines are also continuing to play a crucial role in restoring travelers' confidence. For many Americans who want to travel this year, choosing a destination or provider with a vaccination requirement may be about more than access, or the convenience of avoiding quarantine and testing mandates. There's also the added peace of mind that a destination or provider is prioritizing health and safety.

Related: Will you need an immunity passport to fly? How the COVID-19 vaccine will restart travel

Approximately 74% of Americans who want to travel in 2021 are either likely to get the vaccine or have already been vaccinated. That's a 10% increase over the number of Americans who want or have received the vaccine but are not interested in traveling this year.

Even after receiving the vaccine though, travelers will likely continue to favor trips to wide-open spaces such as national parks, state parks and beaches.

Of those who want to travel in 2021 and plan on getting vaccinated (or have already received the vaccine), 70% said they'd be comfortable traveling to a state or national park by the end of the year. Nearly 60% said they'd be comfortable visiting a public beach.

Plan a national park vacation:

About 32% of Americans who want to travel said they'd be comfortable traveling to a theme park if they received the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this year, and 20% said they'd be comfortable cruising.

Related: Disneyland and other California theme parks can reopen April 1 — but it will be different than before

Only 8% of Americans who want to travel say that, even with the COVID-19 vaccine, they wouldn't be comfortable with any of the trips described in the survey.

And, for the first time in a long time, Americans can imagine booking trips with people outside their home. This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that people who have been vaccinated can gather inside with others without a mask.

For many people, the desire to get back out there with friends and family is strong.

Among those who want to travel in 2021 and plan to get the vaccine or have already been vaccinated, 40% said they're eager to travel with a significant other or spouse, followed by immediate family members (30%) and friends (13%).

But for others, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines may signal an opportunity to get away from home — and everyone in it. About 8% say their first trip after getting vaccinated will be — or was — a solo getaway.

Featured image by Getty Images/Westend61
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.