New survey suggests people see benefits in ‘last-minute trips’

A new survey from Booking.com revealed that the vast majority of people believe last-minute trips boost their happiness (79%), make them more productive at work (61%), and reduce their stress levels (68%).

The survey quizzed 6,620 respondents across six countries — including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France and Australia — about their attitude towards spontaneity.

Included in the findings: the top season for spur of the moment getaways is end of summer, according to 48% of the survey participants. Concerning Labor Day specifically, more free time was cited as a reason to get away (39%) followed by escaping poor weather (23%) and school holidays (21%). About 64% of travelers preferred road trips while 70% preferred going to a beach. City trips are also popular during Labor Day weekend with 71% of respondents saying this was their most likely type of last-minute holiday.

“We know there is a growing demand for instantaneous and on-the-move travel with almost half of worldwide reservations made within 48 hours being booked on a mobile device,” said Todd Dunlap, managing director, Americas at Booking.com.

The survey also revealed the most popular hotel room rituals. When asked to pick the top three things they would do when first entering a hotel room almost a quarter of all respondents (22%) said they would jump on the bed. In contrast, only 8% would check out the mini-bar. Taking selfies registered at only 5% of respondents saying this was their first activity of choice. The top answer, check out the bath/shower, received 48% of the vote even beating admiring the view which came in a very close second at 47%.