Briggs and Riley Luggage Survey Finds Travel Equals Happiness

Briggs and Riley luggage — brand Briggs & Riley — and maker of American travelware, put a long-standing hypothesis to the test with a new consumer study on emerging travel trends for 2023. The survey shows that nearly three quarters of American consumers find happiness in traveling and more than two thirds find excitement.

Briggs and Riley’s luggage concept is built on dedication to the art of travel, which fosters a spirit of discovery and encourages travelers to experience the joys of global travel. 

According to the study, the top five considerations travelers take when planning a vacation include:

+ Cost – 83%

+ Available amenities – 63%

+ Local culture and sights – 59%

+ Excursions / activities – 59%

+ Direct flights – 58%

In looking at the types of destinations that Americans are planning to visit, 61% said they prefer to travel domestically and 68% opt for beach locations over urban cities. Longer trips are on the rise, with 40% of travelers looking to take longer trips averaging between seven and 14 days.

To get to their destination, 73% respond that they prefer to pack in a carry-on versus checked luggage and 72% prefer spinner luggage with four wheels versus two wheels. The study also found that 79% of respondents pack more items than needs for their trips. 

Adjusting to changing needs of travelers, Briggs and Riley luggage brings a reimagine iconic Baseline Collection, allowing travelers to fit more in four-wheels spinner carry-ons by way of the brand’s unique and patent one-touch CX™ expansion that uses the simple press of a button for nearly all wheeled bags in the collection to expand to increase packing capacity and then easily compress down to original size. 

Trips combining business and leisure continue to climb as 36% of those asked plan to take a working vacation in 2023. With “work from anywhere” policies becoming more normalize across many industries, travel plans are shifting with a newfound flexibility. With Briggs & Riley’s convertible backpack duffle, garment duffle, and sleek weekender duffles, travelers can easily transition from work to play.

Briggs and Riley luggage: Authentic Happiness and a Dose of Reality

Backing some of these survey findings, MMGY release new data from its latest MMGY Travel Intelligence report this week. Further conveying the steadfastness of the American traveler, the new data shows, 6 in 10 U.S. adults (58%) plan to take a vacation in the next six months despite inflation, the rising cost of travel and other economic factors. The findings were release today as part of the research firm’s 2022 Portrait of American Travelers “Winter Edition” survey, which examines the intentions, preferences and behaviors of more than 4,500 U.S. adults on a quarterly basis.

Among those not planning to vacation in the next six months, more than 4 in 10 aren’t doing so because of concerns about the high cost of travel (45%) and their financial situation (41%). In addition, 25% express having limits time available to travel in the immediate future  (up significantly from 9% in July). 

However, the overall outlook for travel is generally quite optimistic according to Chris Davidson, EVP of MMGY Travel Intelligence, particularly in regards to international travel, which is expect to ramp up in 2023. In fact, 25% of U.S. adults who expect to travel in the next six months shares that they’re likely to travel internationally – up from 19% this same time last year, and the highest percentage seen in the past three years. 

“The American international traveler is typically a more affluent traveler and is therefore proportionately less impacted by rising costs and inflationary pressures,” said Davidson. “Furthermore, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and the fact that foreign destinations are increasingly open and welcoming visitors support the notion that international travel will an area of strength for the travel industry economy in 2023.”

Other key observations from this most recent travel poll include: 

1. Three quarters of active leisure travelers consult at least one online travel agency (OTA) on a regular basis when researching their travel. The predominant reason cited for engaging with an OTA like Expedia or Tripadvisor is to compare prices and availability (72% of travelers, up six points from 2021). However, it’s worth noting that 7 in 10 travelers cite concerns about booking with an OTA, including concerns that canceling or re-booking may be more difficult than if they had booked directly with the travel service provider (42%).
2. In a positive sign for the cruise industry, which was greatly impacted by the pandemic, more than half of active leisure travelers (55%) expressed interest in taking a cruise in the next two years – with Millennials, those with children and those with higher household incomes displaying the most interest. 
3. Brand loyalty has diminished slightly in its importance during the purchase process with only 4 in 10 travelers characterizing themselves as being loyal to a hotel brand (44%) or an airline (45%). Marriott and American Airlines carry the highest favor in each category at 57% and 54%, respectively.

We believe that a life well-live is a life well-travel,” said Briggs and Riley luggage CEO Richard Krulik. “And as the needs of travelers continue to evolve so does the Briggs & Riley brand with features of intuitive functionality, convenience and innovation to ensure effortless travel experiences.”