A new survey, conducted by LuggageToShip, of 400 Americans who regularly travel overseas shows an enormous pent-up demand to jump on a plane, with 60 percent of them saying they plan to travel overseas in 2021. Only 21 percent say they are still considering overseas plans, with just 19 percent planning to stay grounded for the rest of the year.

Other key findings among respondents about travelers’ most significant concerns about voyaging overseas were the hassle of local quarantines and disruption to flights, 30 percent; risk of COVID infection in destination country, 26 percent; risk of COVID infection while flying, 23 percent; and lack of available flights post-COVID, 18 percent.

“This survey makes it clear that while many Americans may feel that they are done with COVID, the pandemic is not yet done with the rest of the world; the pent-up demand to visit new and favorite destinations may continue to face obstacles,” said Mike Ulker, CEO, LuggageToShip and parent company BeyondBox. “We have seen a very dramatic increase in volumes of travelers seeking the most efficient and cost-effective way to ship their luggage overseas in recent months. But our data shows some hesitation as tourists and business travelers await greater clarity on local entry regulations and quarantine requirements for travelers who can demonstrate proof of vaccination. It may take some time for the rest of the world to catch up to U.S. vaccination rates in this respect.”

The survey also examined the way Americans perceive the COVID-safety of different worldwide regions, asking participants to rank regions on a scale of 1, not safe, to 5, very safe. Europe received 4 stars, with 56 percent ranking the United Kingdom as 4 or 5 stars. Mexico and Central America, 3 stars, along with Northeast Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe. South America and Africa received 2-star ratings, with the Middle East and India earning only 1 star each.