For the second year in a row, SJ has asked over 3,000 travelers how the pandemic has affected their vacation plans and travel habits. Compared to a year ago, more people are considering traveling outside their immediate area. Nature experiences and meeting friends and family are most popular, but interest in city vacations is increasing the most.
What stands out compared to a year ago is that half, 50 percent, say they will definitely take a holiday in Sweden this year. Last year at the same time, only 19 percent could say that. This year, fewer people also say that their holiday plans depend on the authorities' recommendations, 33 percent compared to 58 percent a year ago.
Those who know they are going on a holiday have also decided earlier than last year. 24 percent had planned their holiday before May, compared to 11 percent last year. The proportion who are still undecided whether to plan a holiday or not has dropped from 28 percent last year to 15 percent this year.
It is no longer as interesting to vacation close to home. Last year, more than one in two, 53 percent, could imagine vacationing in their local area. This year, that proportion has dropped to 36 percent. Nature experiences and visiting family and friends are still the most popular vacation activities for just over half of those who responded.
Interest in visiting a big city has started to return and is the holiday experience that is increasing the most, from 13 percent last year to 24 percent this year. It is mainly those over 39 who are interested in a city break this summer.
– The fact that our travelers are planning a summer vacation to a greater extent and have done their planning earlier than last year is certainly a sign that vaccination is having an effect and that many want to return to a more normal life. At SJ, we notice this in the fact that more trains are being sold out. Anyone who has not yet booked their summer trip should think about it, says Mats Almgren, Head of SJ's commercial traffic.
About the survey
SJ has asked our SJ Prio customers questions about summer travel. 3,544 respondents answered the 2021 survey. The questions were sent out in May 2020 and in May/June 2021.
Source:sj.se
