Travelers Miss Out on Time and Money-Saving Technology in Trip Planning

Go City, the leader in sightseeing and attraction passes, has unveiled a survey highlighting key challenges and trends in trip planning. Conducted with Talker Research among 2,000 frequent U.S. travelers, the survey shows affordability is the top priority for trip planning, with overspending ranked as the biggest pain point for 44% of respondents. Travelers also spend significant time on planning, underutilize AI tools, and face barriers to exploring attractions, even locally.

Over half of surveyed travelers prioritize affordability when choosing destinations, with 28% motivated by discounts like flight or hotel deals. The biggest expenses cited were lodging (21%), transportation (20%), and meals (17%). Despite affordability concerns, many travelers report overspending in these areas. Tools like Go City’s Trip Planner aim to address these issues by creating customized itineraries that save both time and money.

Planning trips is a major time investment, with Americans spending an average of 17 hours and 42 minutes on research, bookings, and comparisons. Excursions, cultural activities, and historic experiences take up the most time, accounting for nearly 4 hours on average. Some travelers spend up to 21 hours planning these activities, underscoring the need for efficient tools that streamline the process.

While most travelers use search engines (60%) and online travel agencies (54%), social media inspires 22% of travelers to pick destinations, particularly among Gen Z. Surprisingly, only 15% use AI-powered tools for planning, missing opportunities to simplify decisions and reduce costs. Go City’s Chief Commercial Officer, Judy Gauthier, emphasized the untapped potential of AI in enhancing the travel experience.

Expensive tickets, long lines, and uncertainty about attractions' value deter many from visiting landmarks close to home. On average, Americans visit 4.4 local attractions, with Generation Z visiting fewer. High costs also prevent visits to iconic U.S. sites, including national parks and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, highlighting a gap in access to local experiences.

Go City’s Trip Planner addresses these pain points by offering tailored itineraries based on preferences, saving travelers time and money while easing the stress of planning. As travelers explore ways to optimize their experiences, the survey underscores the growing importance of integrating affordable and tech-savvy solutions into the travel planning process.