Exploring American Travel Preferences: America Or Abroad?

Americans' travel preferences are influenced by various factors, including age, income, education, and race. While international travel is gradually resuming post-pandemic, surveys indicate that a majority of Americans prefer domestic travel. This preference for domestic travel is supported by statistics, which show that Americans are more likely to explore their own country, with popular destinations including New York City, Las Vegas, and Honolulu.

Americans are eager to travel, with over 90% planning domestic trips in 2024

Americans are eager to travel, with over 90% planning trips in 2024. A survey conducted by IPX1031 found that 90% of Americans plan to take a trip in 2024, with 85% travelling out of state and 38% planning to travel internationally. Another survey by Forbes Advisor found that 92% of travellers expect to travel at least as much in 2024 as they did in 2023, with 40% planning to travel more.

This enthusiasm for travel is reflected in the average number of vacations Americans take per year. According to a survey by USA Today, Americans take an average of 2.5 vacations per year, with millennials taking an average of 3.4. Another source claims that Americans travel an average of 2.9 times per year, which is supported by the fact that 63% of Americans took at least two leisure trips in 2023.

When it comes to the type of travel, Americans seem to prefer domestic travel over international trips. A survey by Pacaso found that 87% of respondents preferred travelling domestically over going abroad in 2022. This preference for domestic travel may be due to the higher cost of international travel. The average domestic flight in the US costs $384.85, while the average vacation in America costs $1,742.90.

Despite the cost, Americans are still eager to travel and are finding ways to make it work for their budgets. According to the IPX1031 survey, 54% of Americans say that the current economy is impacting their travel plans, with 2 in 3 budgeting for travel and 58% using points or travel rewards to cover expenses. The USA Today survey also found that 53% of Americans use credit card or travel rewards to reduce costs.

In terms of travel destinations, beaches are the most popular choice for Americans, with 62% of survey respondents naming it their preferred destination. This is followed by cities and cultural or historical locations, which are tied at 44%. Visiting national parks and seeing mountains are also popular choices, at 42% and 40% respectively.

When it comes to accommodation, hotels are the top choice for Americans, with 78% of travellers choosing to stay in hotels, condos or resorts. This is likely due to the convenience and relatively low cost of hotels, with an average daily rate of $151.13. Renting a private property is also an option, with 2.4 million vacation rental listings available in 2023 at an average daily rate of $308.

Overall, Americans are eager to travel and are finding ways to make it work within their budgets. With a variety of destinations and accommodation options to choose from, Americans are expected to have a busy year of travel in 2024.

Americans are more likely to travel in the summer, with 35% planning trips during holiday weekends

Americans are more likely to travel in the summer, with a range of surveys reporting that between 82% and 85% of Americans plan to get away during the warmer months. The Vacationer's Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023 reports that 85% of Americans plan to travel in the summer of 2023, a 5% increase on the previous year. This figure is slightly lower in 2024, with 82% of Americans planning to travel, according to The Vacationer's yearly summer travel and trends survey.

The summer of 2023 was expected to be particularly busy, with a surge in demand due to "revenge travel" and relaxed restrictions following the pandemic. Travel prices rose, with overall costs 15% higher in January 2023 than in January 2020 before the pandemic. This rise in price didn't seem to deter Americans, with 42% of those surveyed in 2024 planning to embark on multiple trips, and 44% intending to travel more in 2023 than they did in 2022.

The majority of Americans opt for domestic travel, with 57% of respondents in 2024 choosing to explore within the United States. This figure was slightly higher in 2023, with 62% of respondents keeping their travels domestic. International travel is gaining popularity, however, with 25% of Americans planning overseas trips in 2024, compared to 23% in 2023.

When it comes to holiday weekends, Americans are most likely to travel during the Fourth of July, with 30% choosing this date, followed by 22% for Memorial Day, and 19% for Labor Day. This equates to around 35% of Americans planning trips during these key holiday weekends.

Americans are more likely to stay in hotels, with 56% reporting they are more likely to stay in a hotel than in 2022

Americans are more likely to stay in hotels

A survey conducted in 2023 revealed that 56% of Americans are more likely to stay in a hotel than in 2022. This is good news for the hotel industry, which relies heavily on business travel as a source of revenue. The survey, commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), also found that hotels are the top lodging choice for those travelling for both business and leisure.

Americans prefer domestic travel

According to a 2022 survey, 87% of Americans prefer to travel within the US rather than internationally. This preference for domestic travel was consistent across all age groups, although younger respondents showed a higher preference for international travel, with 26% of 18-29-year-olds citing it as a priority.

Business travel is rebounding

Survey responses from business travellers indicate that many companies have returned to pre-pandemic levels of business travel or increased it. This is reflected in the AHLA's Hotel Booking Index, which scored 7.8/10 for the second quarter of 2023, indicating a very good short-term outlook for the hotel industry.

Americans are taking more vacations

In addition to increased business travel, the survey found that 55% of Americans are taking more frequent vacations and 52% are taking longer ones. This trend is expected to continue, with 60% of adults likely to take more vacation or leisure trips in 2023 compared to 2022.

Americans are more likely to take longer trips, with 52% reporting they are likely to take longer vacations than in 2022

Americans are more likely to take longer vacations in 2023 than they did in 2022. A survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Morning Consult found that 52% of respondents were more likely to take longer vacations in the summer of 2023 than in 2022. This trend towards longer vacations is also reflected in the increase in overnight leisure travel, with 51% of adults likely to travel overnight for leisure within the next three months, compared to 36% in December 2022/January 2023.

The preference for longer vacations may be driven by several factors. Firstly, there is a desire to make up for lost travel opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. International travel restrictions during the pandemic significantly impacted Americans' ability to travel abroad, and even in March 2021, international travel by Americans remained far below pre-pandemic levels. Secondly, Americans may be seeking longer vacations to explore and relax after a challenging economic period. Despite high inflation and sky-high prices, Americans are prioritizing travel and willing to spend more on their trips. This is reflected in the survey findings, which show that nearly half of Americans (47%) anticipate spending more on travel this year compared to the previous year.

The survey also revealed that hotels are the top lodging choice for those planning overnight leisure trips, with 54% of respondents preferring hotels. This preference for hotels may be influenced by the desire for a comfortable and convenient experience, especially after a period of travel restrictions. Additionally, the increase in longer vacations could be driven by a desire to visit multiple destinations or take more extended trips to explore a particular location thoroughly. This is supported by the finding that Americans are most likely to plan their trips 3 to 6 months in advance (35%), allowing them to research and organize their itineraries effectively.

The trend towards longer vacations has implications for the travel industry and the economy. The AHLA survey found that business travel is also increasing, with 75% of business travelers likely to travel in the next three months. This is good news for hotels, as business travel is one of their main sources of revenue. Additionally, the increase in travel demand can boost the hospitality and tourism sectors, creating more jobs and contributing to economic growth. However, it is important to note that the preference for longer vacations may also impact Americans' work-life balance and vacation policies. As vacations lengthen, employees may need to carefully plan their time off to ensure they have sufficient days available for their desired trips.

Overall, the survey results indicate a positive outlook for the travel industry, with Americans seeking longer vacations and an increase in both leisure and business travel. This trend has the potential to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for the hospitality sector.

Americans are more likely to travel for leisure, with 51% reporting they are likely to travel overnight for leisure in the next three months

Americans have shown a preference for travel, with a majority indicating a willingness to travel for leisure. A survey conducted by Morning Consult for the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) found that 51-52% of Americans plan to travel overnight for leisure in the next three to four months. This is positive news for the hotel industry, which has faced challenging economic conditions, including labour shortages and high interest rates.

The survey also revealed that hotels remain the top choice of accommodation for both leisure and business travellers, with 45% of leisure travellers and 59% of business travellers opting for hotels. This is promising for hoteliers, who have struggled with the negative impact of inflation on their businesses. Despite this, 50-51% of respondents stated that inflation is likely to reduce their chances of travelling overnight, with 44% also saying it would reduce their likelihood of travelling by plane.

The AHLA survey also found that 32% of Americans are likely to travel overnight for Thanksgiving, and 34% for Christmas, mirroring last year's numbers. Furthermore, 47% of respondents plan to travel for a family trip, 37% for a romantic getaway, and 32% for a solo holiday. These findings showcase Americans' enthusiasm for travel and their intent to explore various destinations and experiences.

The impact of generational shifts in leisure preferences is also evident. Younger generations, such as Gen Z and millennials, spend more of their leisure time travelling than older generations like Gen X and baby boomers. This trend existed even before the pandemic and is expected to drive further growth in travel-related spending as these younger consumers reach their peak income-earning years.

In conclusion, Americans are showing a strong inclination towards leisure travel, with over half planning overnight trips in the near future. This presents opportunities for the travel and hospitality industries, particularly hotels, to cater to the needs and preferences of these travellers, including their desire for sustainable options and high-speed Wi-Fi.

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