Americans Are Falling Back in Love With the USA; Domestic Travel Hits Record High

Foreign Tourists Stay Home as Locals Step Up

Foreign tourists are boycotting America in 2025. Canadians cut their visits by 30%.

Europeans stayed away in record numbers. The U.S. lost billions in international tourism revenue.

But here’s what the headlines missed: Americans didn’t wait for the world to come back.

They hit the road themselves, spent more money than ever, and filled every hotel room and airport terminal the foreigners left behind.

The result is a domestic travel boom that shows no signs of slowing down, and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.

91% of Americans Will Travel in 2026

A new Marriott Bonvoy survey reveals 91% of Americans plan to take a trip in 2026. Nearly half say they intend to travel more than they did in 2025.

That’s not a typo. Nine out of ten Americans are planning to pack a bag and go somewhere next year.

The survey shows 67% of respondents plan to focus on travel and experiences instead of purchases. Americans are choosing memories over material goods, and they’re putting their money where their priorities are.

Average Travel Budget Jumps to $6,354

Americans aren’t just traveling more. They’re spending more to do it.

Americans expect to spend an average of $6,354 on travel in 2026, which is $667 more than in 2025.

About 68% say their travel budget for 2026 is greater than 2025, with Millennials and Baby Boomers expecting the sharpest increases. The willingness to spend reflects a deeper shift in values.

After years of uncertainty, Americans are investing in experiences that bring them closer to family and friends.

Road Trips and Weekend Getaways Lead

Where are all these travelers headed? Most of them aren’t going far.

Domestic road trips and local weekend getaways, preferred by 44% each, top 2026 travel wish lists. The great American road trip never really went away, but it’s having a serious moment right now.

More than half of Americans, 55%, plan to spend more time with loved ones for their 2026 travel goals, and 46% look forward to trying new dining experiences.

Rest matters too, with 57% saying relaxation is the most meaningful benefit they get from travel.

TSA Breaks Records Throughout 2025

The numbers at airport security tell the story better than any survey.

TSA screened 904 million passengers in 2024, a more than 5% increase from 2023 and an increase of 17% from 2022. And 2025 kept the momentum going.

More than 3 million travelers were screened on nine of the top 10 highest volume days in TSA’s history. Eight of the highest volume days have occurred in 2025 alone.

Americans are flying in numbers that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

119 Million Traveled for 2024 Holidays

The 2024 holiday season rewrote the record books. More than 119 million Americans traveled 50+ miles during the 2024 holiday season, breaking the all-time record set in 2019. Thanksgiving was even more impressive.

In November 2024, a record 80 million Americans traveled for the holiday, with 71. 7 million driving, the highest road travel volume ever.

Americans wanted to be with family, and they made it happen regardless of gas prices or crowded highways.

Domestic Spending Hits $1.35 Trillion

The economic impact of all this travel adds up fast. Total domestic travel spending reached $1.3 trillion in 2024, an increase from $1. 2 trillion in 2023.

Americans spent over $900 billion on leisure travel in 2024. For 2025, domestic leisure travel is forecast to grow 1.9% to $895 billion.

Consumer sentiment shows concern about inflation and general economic conditions, but Americans continued to prioritize travel. When times get tough, Americans don’t cancel their trips. They find a way.

World Cup Expected to Bring $30 Billion

The biggest travel year in American history might be 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to catalyze a dramatic turnaround, accounting for nearly one-third of the incremental inbound visitors in 2026. Eleven U.S. cities will host matches from June 11 to July 19.

Estimates from FIFA and OpenEconomics suggest the tournament will create $30. 5 billion in economic output for the US and generate approximately 185,000 jobs.

Americans will pack stadiums alongside fans from around the world.

America 250 Celebrates Across All States

The World Cup isn’t the only reason to travel in 2026.

America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, will feature exhibitions, cultural events, and historical storytelling efforts across all 50 states.

From Philadelphia to small towns across the heartland, Americans will have countless opportunities to connect with their nation’s history. It’s a year designed for exploring, and Americans are already making plans.

Travel Prices Stay Stable Against Inflation

One reason Americans keep traveling is that prices haven’t spiraled out of control.

Prices for travel-related services, including hotels, dining, and transportation, have remained relatively stable compared to the overall economy.

Airfares increased by 7.1% from 2024 to 2025, outpacing inflation but moderating compared to 2022’s steep price hikes. Budget airlines are also helping.

Low-cost carriers now account for about 11% of U.S. domestic air traffic, up from 6% a decade ago.

70% Plan to Maintain or Increase Travel

Despite everything happening in the economy, Americans refuse to give up their vacations. 70% of Americans plan to maintain or increase travel this year.

About 92% of Americans are taking a trip this year.

Millennials show strong commitment to their time away, with 70% saying they would rather give up dining out for six months than give up a vacation. Travel isn’t a luxury for most Americans anymore.

It’s a priority they refuse to compromise on.

Forecasts Show Growth Through 2029

The future looks bright for American travel. The U.S. Travel Fall 2025 update projects slower growth for travel in 2025, but higher growth rates in 2026 and beyond.

Total U.S. travel spending is projected to grow 1.1% to $1. 35 trillion in 2025, and will reach $1.49 trillion by 2029. By 2030, domestic travel is projected to represent 70% of travel spending in the United States.

Americans built the world’s largest domestic travel market, and they’re not done growing it.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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