A survey by Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in conjunction with Liz Hall Hotel & Travel Consulting, studied the current sentiment toward travel among more than 6,000 members of the luxury brand’s INVITED program. And the results? The survey found a desire to travel this year now that restrictions have somewhat eased; a willingness to travel internationally by plane; and a preference for smaller hotels where experiences can be more customized.

Respondents were split into three groups: Travel Ready, those who already booked travel and/or have traveled, taking increased safety precautions in stride; Travel Reserved, keen to get away but cautious about potential risk; and Travel Reluctant, unlikely to travel until things have returned to normal.

More than 46 percent of respondents believe they will be in the same financial position next year; more than 30 percent of the Travel Reserved group is currently planning a 2021 holiday. In North America, 29 percent of respondents were Travel Ready and planning a holiday before October of this year. An additional 24 percent look to get away in late 2020. A majority of total respondents, at 74 percent, are willing to fly, with 93 percent agreeing to additional health checks in order to do so.

Among North Americans surveyed, 43 percent plan to first travel domestically, while 38 percent feel prepared for international travel. SLH reservations from North America since Aug. 1 reflect those findings. International bookings in August were for later in the year and the top destinations were Sweden and Finland. More than 90 percent of survey respondents feel most comfortable in small hotels or private residences.

“Our members have shown great resilience and an enduring appetite for travel so it’s encouraging to see that they are Travel Ready, looking at options both close to home and abroad for 2020,” said Richard Hyde, managing director, Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “Our small hotels are able to offer so many solutions from their location in low-key destinations and neighborhoods, to their versatility to become essentially a private residence.”

Do you consider yourself Travel Ready, Travel Reserved or Travel Reluctant? Have you traveled in 2020? Are you planning to travel in 2020? Are you more likely to seek out smaller hotels or private rentals? Tell us about it. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.