Lithuanians are optimistic about travelling

The mood of the residents of the Baltic States about traveling abroad remains cautious, but the appearance of the vaccine gives optimism to the travelers, according to a representative survey of the residents of the Baltic States commissioned by DFDS.

"The mood of travelers is still strongly influenced by the context of the pandemic, therefore most of the respondents in the Baltic States do not plan to travel abroad in the near future. Travelers look forward to the Easter period and the summer holidays - most would plan to travel just then, ”says Vaidas Klumbys, DFDS's Head of Communications for the Baltic States.

According to the survey, 54 percent. surveyed Lithuanians, 57 percent. Latvians and 60 percent. Estonians claim that the willingness to travel abroad is currently much lower compared to the pre-pandemic period. "The biggest decrease in the need to travel is recorded among people aged 55-64, in all the Baltic States this age group does not want to travel and does not plan to travel in the next six months. However, we also see the opposite trend: almost every third person aged 18-24 in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia says that the desire to travel is even higher now than before the pandemic, ”says the DFDS communication manager.

The biggest optimists are Lithuanians

According to Vaidas Klumbis, the possible changes in the behavior of travelers are determined by the introduction of the vaccine and the launch of national vaccination campaigns: The answers show that the vaccine is a decisive factor for people to travel earlier than half a year. "

The survey shows that among the population of the Baltic States, the biggest optimists are Lithuanians. After receiving the vaccine, 39% would decide to go on a trip. Lithuanian residents, while our neighbors, are more cautious - only 21% would advance their travel plans even after receiving the vaccine. Latvians and 26 percent. estonian.

“Interestingly, about half of the respondents say that their travel habits will not change after the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic situation. This is an indication that, once the situation has stabilized, passenger flows will also gradually recover. Will it change? The ways and means of travel will definitely change. This is an important message for the entire travel sector, ”notes Vaidas Klumbys.

Travellers abroad are happy to choose cars

When asked which vehicle - bus, plane, train or individual vehicle (car or motorcycle) when traveling abroad, travelers are more likely to choose, respondents give priority to individual vehicles.

"We see that as many as 45% would choose a car as the most likely vehicle when traveling abroad. Lithuanian, 38 percent. Latvians and 36 percent. estonian. Lithuanians also differ from other Baltic countries in that they are the least willing to travel by plane, train or bus, as there is a greater likelihood of close contact there. ” , - summarizes the DFDS Communication Manager, emphasizing that more and more people are discovering ferries as well.

“For car travelers, ferries are a convenient way to reach Western Europe or Scandinavia overnight. We see that 12 percent. Lithuanians are more likely to choose a ferry trip compared to the pre-pandemic period. Understandably, unlike other vehicles, you can go to the open deck on the ferry, breathe in the fresh air or completely distance yourself from contact with others in a private cabin. Ferries are currently a means of providing additional security for travelers, which goes well with car travel. ”

According to Vaidas Klumbis, the "renaissance" of the car is also related to the fact that people are looking for safe, fast ways to travel with the whole family. Every fifth survey participant's upcoming travel plans abroad are related to visiting relatives. “Interestingly, those who want to travel are not tied to student vacations, which have traditionally been a very popular time for family trips. Even 30 percent. respondents would now choose different dates to travel. "

Vaidas Klumbys reminds that in order to meet the needs of travelers, DFDS offers an additional security guarantee - until February 28. Once the travel tickets have been purchased and the travel plans have changed, the travel date can be changed once free of charge.