SUMMERTIME TRAVEL TRENDS IN SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio Summer Travel Trends
Traveling this summer? You are not alone! According to the latest AYTM Market Research vacations survey, July is the most popular month for travel. Fun is found in a variety of activities from adventure and new experiences to deep-seeded needs to relax and rejuvenate. We love hearing about your summer plans and here are a few travel trends that caught our eye:
Health and Wellness
While there is nothing wrong with lounging by the pool or laying out on the beach, fitness travel – traveling for marathons, boot camps or other specialized fitness activity – is a big trend this year. In fact, Pinterest reports searches for fitness travel are up a whopping 618 percent. Yoga, meditation, surfing or sport camps are just a few examples of popular activities people look for in their vacation destinations
People interested in feeding their minds as well as their bodies on vacation find locations offering lifestyle counseling, cooking classes, language lessons and other mindful excursions very appealing. In fact, wellness-experience travel is on the rise, growing at 50% faster than more routine vacation plans. All of this points to the notion that people recognize the need to refuel and recharge is important to any vacation.
Pro Tip: We are also seeing a new trend in vacations that have an environmental or volunteer aspect with people traveling to do their part to improve the land or lives of others.
Spontaneity Has Its Rewards
Did you know you can be just about anywhere in the world in about 24 hours? There are now 1,280 international airports serving 48,977 routes worldwide. This means with a few good travel searches and downloading a travel app or two, you could be notified of a fantastic vacation at a moment’s notice. And it is surprising how often you are rewarded for last-minute travel with last-chance deals and discounts on flights, lodging and even whole packages designed with the procrastinator in mind.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check the weather before you start packing and, if you need glasses or contacts, save room in your bag for their supplies. You don’t want your vision to let you down during your trip.
Pro Tip: Do plenty of fact checking and read the fine print on any last-minute deals. Scams are everywhere and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money.
There’s No Place Like San Antonio
While vacation travel is on the rise in 2017, the staycation – remaining within 150 miles of home – is still very popular. More than 50 percent of people planning on hanging out at home this summer according to the American Automobile Association. A staycation allows you to visit that museum, park or other local attraction that you never make time for during the year, all within driving distance.
Pro Tip: Here in San Antonio the botanical gardens and the historic Rio San Antonio river barge cruise are two great activities to enjoy. Of course, the Alamo and our UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 18th century Spanish colonial missions can’t be missed!
American Express notes the average American considers 10 days the perfect length for a vacation. If you are so fortunate as to be able to take the time, then get packing! But, if your current vision correction includes glasses, contact lenses or both, that is a whole other packing list! If you are a frequent traveler, consider coming in to talk about your vision correction options. LASIK or another laser vision correction procedure might be a better fit in your vacation plans!
Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of LASIK, but also any risks of LASIK that may pertain to your individual needs and circumstances.