Summer's not over yet: 'Stretch season' travel is latest trend spurred by pandemic
Summer is, at least officially, over.
After Labor Day weekend, the informal last chapter of summer, most children went back to school (remote or otherwise) and many parents returned to the office for the first time since spring. And on Sept. 22, the autumnal equinox, day and night were equally halved, marking the natural end to summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
But in many ways, we're experiencing our longest summer ever — and some travel professionals say summer could continue well into the fall this year.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
That's because the new coronavirus pandemic has changed just about everything, including the way we travel. And for travelers who are still working remotely with children now embracing virtual learning, there's no clear reason to say "so long" to summer just yet. Plus, one look at the thermometer will tell you that in many parts of the country, the unseasonal temperatures make it even easier to believe that summer is here to stay.
More than half of travelers (54%) said they are more likely to travel this fall than in previous years, according to a new Travel Intelligence report from MMGY Global. The traditional peak travel period of summer is "stretching" beyond Labor Day well into fall, which is why the travel, tourism and hospitality-focused marketing company has dubbed this trend a "stretch season" for travelers.
With business travel on the backburner and more families finding ways to take advantage of their flexible schedules, it's really no surprise that the end of summer hasn't heralded the end of summer travel.
Plus, MMGY noted, a third of travelers are concerned about their personal finances being a "barrier" to travel.
"The season following Labor Day provides travelers an opportunity to extend their travel budgets during a more value-oriented period, especially in their own cities, regionally and in destinations that feature outdoor activities like beaches and parks," said Clayton Reid, CEO of MMGY Global.
Related: It's official: 'Schoolcations' are the hottest new travel trend for families
Even at a time when travel remains significantly depressed, certain summer leisure destinations are noticing the uptick in stretch season travelers.
White Elephant Resorts, which has four hotels on Nantucket, saw leisure bookings spike 36% year-over-year for trips between September and December.
"The cooler months on Nantucket are traditionally known as our 'offseason,' but we believe the continued pent-up demand for travel is extending our season well into late fall," said Khaled Hashem, managing director of White Elephant Resorts. "With many children starting the year with online learning, and the ability for parents to work from 'wherever,' it's allowing guests to be more flexible with their travel plans."
Hashem added that the trend of booking extended stays — "some up to four-plus weeks" — is continuing into the fall.
On the New Jersey Shore, in the seaside community of Asbury Park, the namesake Asbury Hotel is seeing September bookings in line with 2019. Still, David Bowd, CEO of Salt Hotels and owner and operator of The Asbury, agrees that "people are wanting to extend their travels beyond the traditional summer season."
Related: TPG's safe travel guide: How to minimize risk on your summer vacation
The stretch season isn't just a U.S. phenomenon. Travel companies and hotels are seeing a spike in fall bookings.
"Because summer vacation plans were canceled for many U.S. travelers due to travel restrictions, we've observed a marked uptick in people extending what we considered in previous years to be our regular summer travel season ...." said Bill Linehan, president of Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for Karisma Hotels & Resorts (which primarily has resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and South America).
And the online travel company CheapCaribbean has seen a 12% year-over-year increase in September and October bookings this year versus 2019, meaning even ongoing travel restrictions and the very real threat of the pandemic can't deter travelers from soaking up every last day of summer.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.