With the 2024 US presidential election approaching, many Americans are rethinking their travel plans, with some opting to stay closer to home during the traditionally busy holiday season. This change in travel behavior reflects a broader issue of election-related anxiety that is impacting many aspects of American life. Recent surveys highlight the extent of election-related stress among Americans.
According to a study by LifeStance Health, 79% of people experience election anxiety. This anxiety is especially prevalent among younger generations, with 64% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials reporting feeling a lot of stress related to the upcoming election. The causes of this anxiety are manifold. Respondents cited concerns about avoiding misinformation, “desperate and bleak” messages, and concerns about the impact of the election as key stressors.
Furthermore, the potential for social conflict is also a serious concern. 44% of survey participants reported that political discussions led to conflicts with friends and family.
Impact on travel plans
Anxiety over the election is impacting Americans’ travel plans, especially for the Thanksgiving holiday. A Vacationer poll found that 64% of U.S. adults are concerned about traveling domestically because of the potential for uncertainty depending on the outcome of the election. The travel industry is also noticing this change in consumer behavior. Major airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines expect a temporary drop in travel demand around early November.
“People prefer to stay home during the election period. They don’t want to travel,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC. It’s not new. Similar patterns were observed in both the 2016 and 2020 election years. However, the intensity of the current political climate appears to be amplifying its impact.
Coping with election stress
Mental health experts stress that election-related anxiety is a common and understandable response to the current political climate. Dr. Kevin Anschel, a psychology professor at Syracuse University, advises individuals to focus on the aspects of their lives they can control. This includes setting boundaries around news consumption and social media use, and practicing self-care such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and physical activity.
Experts also suggest focusing on specific tasks, such as helping people register to vote or participate in local election campaigns, for those who want to manage stress while remaining politically active. These actions can provide a sense of purpose and control amid the uncertainty of an election season.
Country: United States, Travel Trends
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