Coronavirus: Travelers swap spring break trips for staycations

Chris Anderson was planning on taking his kids to Washington, D. C. , for their first "Dad and kids road trip" over spring break.   But with the number of coronavirus cases growing in the U.

S. , Anderson, 44, says his children, ages 9 and 12, will now stay at home in Indianapolis instead. On the agenda: Board games, bike rides and unfortunately for the kids, school work.   "I'll also use the opportunity to teach the kids skills involving refinishing furniture and home improvement projects," Anderson said.

As the coronavirus spreads, business and leisure travel is grinding to a halt as many consumers decide to stay home. The U. S. Department of State advised U.

S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to COVID-19. President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued travel restrictions for visitors arriving from many European countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also advised older adults and people with chronic medical conditions to avoid crowds as well as cruise travel and nonessential air travel.

The travel industry is feeling the effects of lower demand. Airlines are cutting flights and freezing hiring while cruise lines are temporarily suspending operations. In an online survey of 432 Americans conducted March 6-8, travel media company Skift found that 29% of respondents had deferred their travel plans.

“As the virus news gets worse, many travelers remain in a state of watchful waiting.”

Olivia MacLeod Dwinell of Portland, Oregon, and her two friends, all in good health and ranging in age from 54 to 60, have been meeting and talking with their travel agent to decide what to do about a planned two-week European trip in May. "We've met four times since the virus has been on the radar, and we're texting seemingly nonstop," said Dwinell.   She added, "One of us is 'Oh, hell, no, I won't go'; one of us feels she'd die happier having made the trip; and the third is persuadable either way depending on the soundest information available. " The group plans to meet — remotely — on Sunday and make a final decision by mid-April, Dwinell said.