More than two in five Americans would consider a solo vacation instead of celebrating the holidays this season (45%), according to new research.<br /><br />A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at travel plans for this holiday season and found that 63% will be traveling this year — up from 41% last year — with their kids (72%), partner (66%) and other family members (52%).<br /><br />This year, more of those who are traveling for the holidays are interested in exploring the holidays in a new way (52%, up from 29% last year).<br /><br />However, more than three-quarters (77%) of respondents admit that by the time the holidays roll around, they’re going to need a vacation. <br /><br />And for 27%, “vacation” does not include traveling to be with family. <br /><br />Respondents feel like they’ll need a break from work (53%), their partner (49%) and even their kids (46%) once the holidays do start.<br /><br />This may be why the average respondent ideally caps their holiday vacation at six days.<br /><br />Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Apple Vacations, the survey found that while 70% of respondents are excited about their holiday plans, 16% feel bored. <br /><br />In years past, respondents spent their holidays either at their home (31%), a family member’s home (23%) or their partner’s home (20%).<br /><br />This year, 58% of respondents don’t want to sit around at home, and instead, 16% are looking to go on a vacation or avoid someone’s house entirely.<br /><br />But that doesn’t come without its challenges. Last year, the top struggle people worried about when it came to holiday travel was crowds (42%), while this year they have greater concerns about lost luggage (49%).<br /><br />Delayed flights are also more of a concern this year (41%) than last (37%) along with overpacking (31% vs. 16% last year) and forgetting something at home (46% vs. 31% last year).<br /><br />Regardless, Americans would spend an average of over $1,500 ($1,514.26) on holiday travel.<br /><br />Tropical getaways and small towns tied for the top destination Americans would be interested in visiting this holiday season (both 51%).<br /><br />These were followed by all-inclusive resorts (50%), family-friendly destinations (43%) and even snowy mountains (43%).<br /><br />More than half (53%) of Americans will be buying themselves a gift this holiday season and they’d be willing to spend almost $250 ($246.42).<br /><br />Those gifts include clothes or shoes (47%), jewelry (44%), electronics (35%) and a vacation (26%).<br /><br />But if given the choice, respondents are slightly more likely to be happier if they were given a vacation rather than a physical gift to unwrap (28% vs 20%).<br /><br />WHY ARE AMERICANS TRAVELING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?<br />● To spend time with their kids - 60%<br />● To spend time with their partner 59%<br />● To go on a leisure vacation - 55%<br />● To experience the holidays in a new way - 52%<br />● To visit loved ones - 49%<br />● To take some time off of work - 39%<br />● To visit somewhere new - 25%<br />● To upkeep tradition - 17%
