One Third of All Long Distance Travel in the U.S. is for Leisure

Contact DOT 9-99 William Mallett 202-366-6663

Tuesday, January 12, 1999 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released a new report entitled Long-Distance Leisure Travel in the United States.

The report is the first in a series of detailed profiles about the characteristics of long-distance trips, 100 miles or more, based on data from the 1995 American Travel Survey (ATS). It focuses on trips for rest or relaxation, sightseeing, outdoor recreation, entertainment and shopping that, as a whole, constitute one-third of all long-distance travel.

"An in-depth examination of long-distance trips is an important component of understanding long-distance travel habits of American households," said BTS Director Dr. Ashish Sen. "It is studies like these that underscore the importance of a flexible transportation system that is safe and reliable for all."

Among other items, the report reveals:

• About 12 percent of leisure trips are made by commercial airplane.
• American households traveling for leisure average about 3 nights away from home.
• Over 8 million leisure trips are made by charter or tour bus each year.
• More than one-third of all leisure trips are taken in the third calendar quarter.

Profiles of business travel and the socio-demographic characteristics of travelers are some of the topics that will be discussed in future ATS reports. The ATS is the first comprehensive effort since 1977 used in determining where, when and how people travel in the United States.

The report, along with other data from the ATS, is available on the BTS Internet site at www.bts.gov/ats. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling (202) 366-DATA (3282), by faxing requests to (202) 366-3640, by e-mailing requests to orders@bts.gov or by writing to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room 3430, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.