Demographics dictate travel habits and preferences according to BedandBreakfast.com survey

BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide, recently conducted a survey in which more than 5,300 travelers shared their travel plans and preferences for décor and food. The survey confirmed that travel is on the rise, with the largest majority of respondents (43%) expressing their plans to take two leisure trips during the second quarter (Q2, 2010), and 22.5% anticipating three or more trips. The survey showed how travelers’ ages influence their travel preferences:

• Nearly eight out of ten respondents (79.8%) plan to take as many or more leisure trips in Q2 as they did a year ago.  Not surprisingly, the younger the traveler, the more likely they are to take shorter getaways, with more than 63% of time-starved Gen Y (18-34), Gen X (35-45) and Pre-Boomers (46-55) preferring shorter getaways to week-or-longer vacations.
• The older the traveler, the more likely a longer trip, with 41.5% of those aged 55-65 and 53.8% of those aged 65+ planning a vacation of week or longer in Q2. 

• The majority of younger travelers (ages 18-45) preferred an “urban chic” décor to a “ruffles and Victorian” look when shown guest room photos. The largest segment (45%) of Gen-Y travelers chose a more modern, chic look and 33% of Gen-X travelers (also the largest segment of this age group) preferred that same look.  The majority of 45+ travelers chose a more ruffled, Victorian décor with 40% of those aged 55-65 selecting a more traditional and lacy style for guest room decor.
• Organic food is more important to the Gen-X and Gen Y population than to older travelers, with the largest majority of travelers age 46 and up seeing little benefit to organic ingredients. The largest majority across all age groups felt that a low-fat option would be "nice to have." 
• Travelers want “bells and whistles;” the younger the traveler, the greater their tech needs. Travelers of all ages indicated that flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and steam showers would be “nice to have.”  Wi-Fi is similarly rated by the largest majority of all ages except for the 65+ group, the majority of whom deemed it totally unnecessary. Gen X and Gen Y travelers indicated that an adequate supply of electrical outlets was important to them, due in part to the need to charge phones, iPods, and must-have electronics.