A U.S. Travel Association poll taken in April shows a significant increase in perceived “money available for travel.”  In October 2008 the Traveler Sentiment Index bottomed below 80, and in April 2010 it was measured at 90.  This brighter number suggests consumers may be more confident about their finances, and may be more inclined to travel to Hawaii. 

“Interest in travel,” “time available to travel,” and “money available for travel,” variables from which the index is derived, have risen. Unfortunately, the increased cost to travel, and lingering concern about job loss may keep people at home.  However, financial factors that influence near-term leisure travel are mostly positive.  For example, the percentage of U.S. adults citing a “high level of personal credit card debt” fell from 56% in April 2009 to 46% in April 2010.