MSC Cruises has presented the “First Snapshot of Today’s Traveler: Preferences and Their Relationship with Cruises,” a study that has uncovered a new challenge affecting today’s travelers: vacation procrastination. Up to 6 out of 10 Spaniards admit to postponing or having indefinitely postponed a trip, and only 25% say they have already taken their dream trip.
Cost (57%) or lack of time (37%) are the main reasons that hold Spaniards back from taking a trip.
The study prepared by MSC Cruises reveals that Spaniards generally consider themselves very organized travelers, especially those between the ages of 25 and 39, which could explain the lack of time to plan well, ultimately preventing them from taking their dream trip.
Regarding the time Spaniards invest in planning their trips, 35% say they prepare between 3 and 6 months in advance, while 33% admit to doing so less than 3 months ahead. Only 17% book at the last minute. This data could explain why 75 % say they haven't yet taken their dream trip and why more than half of those surveyed (59%) admit to postponing a trip indefinitely. This is how regrets later arise: 45% confess to regretting not having taken a trip, especially those over 55 (60%).
Although almost half of Spaniards travel during peak season (between June and September), seasonal tourism is gaining traction among travelers seeking tranquility and a pleasant vacation. 36% of Spaniards travel outside the typical summer months to avoid crowds, save money, and find greater availability.
When choosing a destination, Spaniards are divided between visiting a single place or opting for multi-destination trips, with 52% choosing the second option, where the cruise option is very suitable, while 48% prefer to take advantage of the trip to get to know a country or region in depth.
Spain is one of the main markets for both receiving and sending cruise ships. However, according to a study by MSC Cruises, only 19% of Spaniards have ever been on a cruise , and of those, 82% were so delighted with the experience that they would do it again.
For those who haven't yet set foot on a ship, the survey reveals that Spaniards have a strong appetite for cruises, with 64% saying they would like to try one someday, especially young people (67%), who consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ability to discover different destinations on a single trip and have access to all kinds of amenities in one place, along with excursions and leisure activities, are features highly valued by those surveyed. As for itineraries, Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, and the Greek Islands are the favorites among Spaniards.
Spaniards choose their destinations based on various factors, with cost remaining the primary consideration. 73% of Spaniards say they factor in price when planning their holidays. Cultural and tourist attractions, along with the quality of accommodation, are two other important considerations, cited by 53% and 42% of respondents, respectively. And there's no more convenient cultural trip, with visits to different cities and countries, than a cruise where passengers don't even have to unpack.
On the other hand, language is no longer one of the main concerns when traveling, as this option was only chosen by 10% of those surveyed.
Destinations with a strong cultural offering and sun and beach tourism remain the most popular types of tourism (62% and 51%, respectively); however, gastronomic tourism is gaining traction at 42%, followed by rural tourism , which continues to hold its own (38%). Younger travelers, aged between 25 and 39, are the most likely to opt for adventure tourism, at 31%.
