A new survey by Wyndham Rewards reveals that many Americans feel unprepared to take full advantage of travel loyalty programs. While 77 percent of respondents recognize that loyalty programs can offer significant benefits, nearly one-third (32 percent) say they lack the knowledge or skills to maximize those benefits. In addition, 64 percent would prefer to have their loyalty accounts professionally managed to ensure they get the most value.
Respondents who favor professional management expressed a surprising willingness to make sacrifices to gain that help: some said they would accept inconveniences such as taking the middle seat on every flight for a year, switching to a basic flip phone for six months, giving up social media for six months, or temporarily living with family to allow a manager to consolidate or optimize their rewards.
The survey also examined travel budgets for 2016. A large majority—83 percent—plan to allocate at least a quarter of their discretionary income to travel, and 40 percent expect to spend half or more of their discretionary funds on trips. Even so, cost-conscious behavior is common: many travelers intend to make smarter choices to stretch their budgets while still traveling.
Among planned activities for the year, 54 percent of respondents said they intend to visit a new domestic destination, 39 percent plan to travel to see distant family or friends, and 26 percent hope to take a cross-country road trip. The survey also highlighted differences by gender: women reported being more cost-conscious than men. Forty percent of women described themselves as “very cost-conscious,” and 35 percent plan to spend less in 2016 than they did in 2015. By comparison, 24 percent of men identified as “very cost-conscious,” and 19 percent plan to reduce their travel spending in 2016.
The findings suggest a strong desire for simpler, more effective ways to manage travel rewards and budgets. Many travelers want both the perks of loyalty programs and professional help to navigate them, while also seeking affordable travel experiences that allow for new destinations, family visits, and road trips without overspending.