Election Anxiety Disrupts Holiday Travel Plans, Prompts Consumers to Rethink Travel Amid Unrest Concerns

Travel plans for some people are being disrupted due to worries about potential unrest following the 2024 presidential election, leading them to reconsider where and when to travel. Concerns about post-election unrest are causing some people to change their travel plans, opting to stay home or avoid certain destinations altogether.

Impact on Family Travel

Emily Reeve and her husband typically travel to Hawaii, Florida, or Disneyland for Thanksgiving, but this year they're staying in Portland, Oregon, fearing potential post-election unrest with their toddler. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian and United Airlines executives have noted a decrease in travel bookings around the election, reflecting a trend seen in previous elections.

Concerns about unrest are affecting travel and business decisions, with a significant portion of the population choosing to stay home or alter their plans based on the election outcome. Statistics from the travel site the Vacationer and a spokesperson for the online business travel management company Navan highlight the impact of these concerns on the travel industry.

Despite the anticipated travel disruptions, a substantial percentage of U.S. adults still plan to travel during the holiday season, with 38% of adults indicating their intention to travel. Concerns about travel costs have lessened this year, providing consumers more breathing space to contemplate the potential effects of the election on their travel plans.

The lingering uncertainty following the Wayne against results is prompting some individuals to change their travel plans or delay trips due to concerns about possible election-related unrest or economic instability. A multigenerational family considering a cruise is now postponing their vacation due to worries about potential post-election impacts on federal employees.

While only a minority of travelers anticipate political conflicts during family gatherings, younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are more concerned about such tensions compared to older generations. As a result, some families are altering their travel plans or avoiding joint trips altogether, aiming to mitigate the risk of political disputes during holiday gatherings.