MMGY Global released the latest findings of its Travel Intentions Pulse Survey and Travel Safety Barometer to find out how Americans feel about travel amid news of effective vaccines and a rise in COVID-19 cases. The majority of the 1,200 American leisure and business travelers agree the most important consideration for future travel plans is the availability of an effective vaccine.

According to the survey, 50 percent would receive the vaccine as soon as it’s available to them, with 40 percent waiting a few months and 9 percent stating they will not get the vaccine. Thirty-one percent say the opinions of family and friends are important when deciding future travel plans, a number which rose from 25 percent in October. However, the number of respondents likely to take a domestic leisure trip during the next six months remained steady at 41 percent. Those likely to take an international trip in the next six months rose from 21 percent to 25.

When it comes to business travel, the number of respondents likely to take a domestic business trip increased to 38 percent from 34. One in five are likely to attend a conference or convention, with one in four likely to attend an off-site business meeting. Lodging responses remain mostly unchanged since July: 39 percent say they are likely to stay in a hotel/resort in the next six months, and 32 percent say they are likely to stay in a vacation home/rental in the same timeframe.

Also seeing an increase is the percentage of respondents likely to take a river cruise, which is now at 21 percent. For ocean cruises, the number remained steady from October at 20 percent. Travel by car remains the most likely form of transportation for respondents. As ski season approaches, 23 percent of respondents are likely to participate in snow sports in the next six months.

Will you get the vaccine as soon as possible? Do you plan to travel domestically or internationally in the next six months? When do you plan to take your next business trip? Do you plan to participate in winter sports this season? Tell us about it. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.