Referenced in:
Survey Finds 93% of Americans Plan to Travel in 2026, with AI Emerging as Key Planning Tool
As 2026 unfolds, Americans show few signs of slowing down their wanderlust. Our new 2026 travel outlook report finds 93% of Americans are planning to travel this year, with nearly half (49%) prioritizing travel when making financial decisions. The desire to explore remains strong, though cost concerns are reshaping how and where people choose to visit.
30% of Americans Will Use AI To Plan Travel in 2026
Travel plans are looking similar to last year, with 47% of Americans planning to travel about the same amount in 2026 compared to 2025, 42%planning to travel more , and just 11% will be traveling less.
Nearly half (49%) of Americans prioritize travel when doing their budgets and making financial decisions, and 71% are actively budgeting for their 2026 travel.
For some, the desire to travel outweighs financial caution. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) of Americans say they would go into debt to pay for a vacation, and 1 in 10 plan to take on debt in 2026 specifically for travel purposes. Among those taking on debt, the average amount is $2,525. Buy-now, pay-later services are also gaining traction in the travel space, with 15% of Americans having used BNPL for travel expenses. The top cost concerns include:
- Flights – 46%
- Lodging – 31%
- Food and dining – 9%
- Activities and entertainment – 9%
Another significant trend emerging in 2026 is the use of artificial intelligence for travel planning: 3 10 Americans will use AI to help plan their trips this year. Among AI users, the top applications are discovering activities and restaurants (65%), finding destinations (56%), and building itineraries (55%). Other popular uses include comparing flight prices (51%), comparing hotel prices (48%), and budgeting or estimating trip costs (48%).
Spring Break Travel Plans in 2026
Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) Americans are planning a spring break vacation this year and an average planned spend of $2,138. This is down from 35% in 2025. Economic pressures are influencing 2026 plans, as 20% are traveling closer to home due to cost and 16% are skipping spring break travel altogether this year.
Budgeting and Paying for Travel
With 71% of Americans budgeting for 2026 travel, understanding how people plan to pay is revealing. Credit cards lead the way as the most popular payment method, used by 68% of travelers. Debit cards come in second at 52%, followed by savings (42%), travel rewards and points (31%), and buy-now, pay-later services (10%).
While 52% say the economy has no impact on their travel plans, 48% report some economic influence. Among them, 16% will be traveling less in 2026 due to the economy, 14% are taking shorter trips, 9% are traveling closer to home, 5% won’t be traveling overseas, and 4% won’t be flying anywhere this year.
Cost is influencing decisions at every step of the journey. Nearly a third (32%) of Americans have changed destinations due to flight prices, while 27% have decided not to travel at all because of airline fees like baggage and seat selection costs. Hotel costs have also led 16% to cancel a trip. Additionally, 61% would like to travel more in 2026 but simply can’t afford it, and 16% have already canceled or postponed a trip planned for this year due to cost.
How and Why Americans Will Travel in 2026
The vast majority of Americans are planning to venture beyond their home states, with 89% planning out-of-state travel and 37% planning to travel internationally. Air travel remains the dominant mode of transportation, with 68% of Americans planning to fly in 2026.
More than half (53%) of Americans are planning to take three or more trips this year. The motivations for travel in 2026 show a desire for connection and escape. The top reasons Americans are taking a trip include:
- Visiting friends and family (32%)
- Relaxation (27%)
- Adventure (20%)
- Entertainment or events (5%)
- Celebration or special occasions (4%)
- Cultural exploration (4%)
Travel anxiety is also present, with 44% of Americans worried about travel delays and cancellations in 2026. For 1 in 5 travelers (20%), these concerns are significant enough to prevent them from traveling altogether.
Accommodations in 2026
When it comes to where Americans will stay, hotels dominate with 80% planning to stay in one during 2026. Vacation home rentals are also popular, with 36% planning to use this option. Overall preferences show hotels are the favorite, with 64% preferring them over other accommodation types. Rental properties come in second at 22%, followed by resorts (8%), and bed and breakfasts (5%).
Whether you currently own a vacation rental or are considering purchasing one in 2026, understanding what 1031 Exchanges are and how they can help preserve and grow your assets is essential. Explore our blogs on buying a vacation home with a 1031 Exchange and how to keep your funds safe during a 1031 Exchange to learn more. Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031), is America’s largest and most secure 1031 Qualified Intermediary.
—
Methodology
In January 2026, we conducted a survey of 1,000 people from across the U.S. about their 2026 travel plans. Among respondents, 49% identified as male and 49% as female with an average age of 42.
For media inquiries, contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net
Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing IPX1031.
