NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 6, 2006–Procrastinating men took another body blow in a survey released today, but it also uncovered some surprising facts about women’s planning habits. The survey, published by lastminute.com, a site launched in the U.S. by Travelocity(R), looked at how far in advance men and women typically buy gifts or make plans for a special occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday or the often-dreaded Valentine’s Day.
Overall, the survey reinforced that men are in fact romantically challenged, with 78 percent admitting that at least once they have waited until the day of or day before to make plans or buy a gift. Only one in four feel truly confident that they can break this bad habit. But, possibly more interesting is the fact that women revealed some challenges of their own, with nearly half saying that they typically make plans a week or less ahead of the occasion. And, only one in three women felt they could definitely break their last minute habits.
“Men clearly have more issues with advance planning, but in all fairness, this survey also shows that both men and women have a tough time coming up with the right idea on how to surprise their loved one. lastminute.com is looking to inspire people to plan an exceptional evening out or weekend away, even if you have just a few days, or hours, to plan,” said Jeff Varhol, general manager of lastminute.com in North America.
Varhol also wonders whether or not it’s the increasing pace of society that’s leading to Americans in general becoming more and more last minute planners. The survey showed that women and men found themselves in a similar debacle when asked what causes them to be so last-minute, with nearly 8 of 10 respondents (78 percent of women and 79 percent of men) blaming not having enough time or ideas.
Survey Results:
-- Fifty-four percent of women describe themselves as true
romantics, while only 39 percent of men defined themselves as
such.
-- While women plan slightly better than men, the fact that
almost half of the women surveyed don't make plans or a
purchase until within one week of the occasion, certainly
challenges the stereotype.
-- Sixty-one percent of men still plan/purchase a week or less
ahead of time versus 49 percent for women.
-- Only one in four men and one in three women felt that they
could "definitely" break their self-proclaimed last-minute
planning habits.
-- Fifty-six percent of men say they either sometimes or
frequently catch heat from their significant other for their
last minute planning habits (26 percent of women make the same
claim).
“Clearly last minute planning is not going to change, so why not celebrate the spirit of spontaneity,” added Varhol.
The lastminute.com U.S. site is the progeny of lastminute.com, one of the most popular European travel and lifestyle Web sites, and Travelocity, which bought the company in June of 2005. Going beyond what’s currently offered in the online travel realm, lastminute.com is focused on the last minute planner and offers a wide range of lifestyle and travel activities, whether for going out of town, or out ON the town.
lastminute.com: Inspiration for Going Out, Staying In or Going Away
Going beyond just last minute travel, lastminute.com offers ideas for “Going Out” on the town, such as planning an adventurous evening or day out at the last minute – a cool hotel in the city, dinner and movie, concert or show. Last minute planning also can include “Staying In,” such as the latest DVD rentals and shopping for gifts, including wine and flowers. Some of the areas offered on the site include:
-- Hotel for any time - last minute or advance
-- Fun and unusual activities -- Helicopter tours, wine tours,
city adventures, Napa Valley hot air balloon ride, swimming
with the dolphins in Cancun, tickets to the Minnesota high
school hockey tournament, Washington's Sasquatch Festival
-- Tickets -- Concerts, sports, shows, movies
-- Restaurant reservations
-- Gifts/wine
lastminute.com also offers inspiration for “Going Away,” such as planning a surprise getaway for the weekend with great deals on last minute travel packages within two weeks, and up to three hours before travel. It offers ideas on fun and unusual activities – tickets to concerts/major sporting events around the country and world and more. The site also provides travelers with creative options and great deals on advance travel for those who do have plenty of time to plan.
Survey Details
The purpose of the survey was to understand last-minute planning habits for special occasions for both men and women. Data was collected January 26 – February 2, 2006 among 1,524 Travelocity members who shopped for / booked travel in the last 12 months.
lastminute.com USA can be found at http://us.lastminute.com. Travelocity is at http://www.travelocity.com.
About Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion – before, during and after the trip and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. – booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER PR
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
Amanda@vollmerpr.com
or
Alyson Briggs, 972-488-4790
alyson@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: lastminute.com
