The following is a 2008 travel survey released by Travel Leaders (formerly Carlson-Wagonlit Travel) in the Twin Cities:

Respondents: 30 (One owner or manager from 30 out of 35 Travel Leaders locations in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area completed the survey – Albert Lea, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Chanhassen, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Forest Lake, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Maple Grove , Minneapolis, Monticello, North Oaks, Red Wing, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Savage, Stillwater, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury; along with Chippewa Falls, New Richmond, New Richmond, Rice Lake, and River Falls, WI)

Domestic Destinations (Travel Leaders Associates were asked to name their five top domestic destinations they’re booking for the remainder of 2008.)

2008 Ranking/Destination % ‘07 Ranking
1. Las Vegas, NV 73.3% 1
2. Orlando, FL 66.7% 2
8. New York City, NY 43.3% 8
7. Kahului (Maui), HI 30.0% 7
6. San Francisco, CA 20.0% 6

Are your travelers driving to their destination(s) more or less?
About the same 50.0%
More 23.3%
I don't know 20.0%
Less 6.7%

For travelers wanting to stay “in-state” – what is the top travel destination/location in your state you can help plan?

1. Duluth

What is the top local/regional destination for travelers in your area you can help plan?

1. Wisconsin Dells, WI
2. Chicago, IL
3. Black Hills, SD

International Destinations (Travel Leaders Associates were asked to name their five top international destinations they’re booking for the remainder of 2008.)

2008 Ranking/Destination % ‘07 Ranking
1. CRUISE- Caribbean 53.3% 2
2. Riviera Maya, Mexico 46.7% 4
3. Cancun, Mexico 43.3% 1
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 40.0%
5. (tie) Montego Bay, Jamaica 26.7% 8
5. (tie) Playa del Carmen, Mexico 26.7% 7

For travelers seeking the best value outside of the United States, where would you recommend they go? (Choose up to three)
1. Mexico 90.0%
2. Cruise 63.3%
3. Caribbean 53.3%

Single most important factor for your clients when choosing flights:
1. Price 63.3%
2. Direct/Nonstop 26.7%
3. Schedule (time of departure/arrival) 10.0%

With the new fees being added by the airlines, are your customers actively seeking to fly on carriers that have the least amount of added fees?
Yes 46.7%
No 53.3%

How are travelers cutting back to save money?
1. (tie) Shortening trips or vacations (traveling fewer days) 36.7%
1. (tie) Taking fewer trips 36.7%
3. Driving trips vs. flying 26.7%

What tactics are you using to assist your customers and save them money?
(Select all that apply.)

1. Using suppliers we know and trust 86.7%
2. Air consolidators 83.3%
3. Traveling off-season 60.0%
4. (tie) Tour 56.7%
4. (tie) Cruises 56.7%

Which of the following do you hear most often from your customers regarding the impact of high gas prices and/or extra fuel surcharges?
% of agents
The extra cost has caused some people to scale back travel. 80.0%
The extra cost has caused many to scale back travel. 13.3%
The extra cost isn’t a factor. 6.7%