Research from MMGY indicates that Americans are continuing to make vacation plans even with ongoing household financial constraints. The 2026 Portrait of American Travelers “Fall Edition” highlights raised travel demand this season. U.S. travelers anticipate allocating $5,655 for leisure trips over the coming year, while also forecasting 3.9 vacations. These metrics surpassed data from the survey’s “Summer Edition”, which noted 3.5 scheduled trips.
Strategic Timing and Spending Adjustments
Over one-third of travelers, or 35%, intend to journey during off-peak periods. An additional 32% mention cutting back on other expenditures to safeguard their travel funds. Price considerations significantly shape destination decisions, as 64% favor domestic options for cost savings. Travelers also identify value through family bonding, enduring memories, and quality lodging.
Generational Spending Divides
Projected spending varies widely across age groups. Boomers expect to allocate $8,796 toward travel in the next 12 months, while Gen Z travelers anticipate $2,195, the report states. Income levels also correlate with travel intentions, the study notes.
Technology and Outdoor Interests
More than half of leisure travelers, or 51%, have utilized AI for trip planning. This marks an 11-percentage-point rise from the prior year. AI adoption reaches 71% among Gen Z travelers and 68% of households with children. Yet only 4% rank AI among their top three initial trip-planning actions. The study suggests AI primarily facilitates travel inspiration and destination discovery rather than bookings.
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Outdoor adventure and visits to state and national parks have shown sustained interest. Among those seeking park trips, Yellowstone emerges as the top choice at 75%, followed by the Grand Canyon at 66%.
Strategic Travel Planning and Value Perceptions
Simon Moriarty of MMGY said travelers are becoming more strategic about when they go, where they spend and what they consider worth paying. The vice president noted that there is no longer a single definition of value as widening generational and income divides emerge.
Research Scope
The Portrait of American Travelers is based on interviews with 4,500 U.S. adults. The research examines leisure travel patterns in the United States and represents the longest-running study of its type in the American travel sector.