Exploring America: Annual Domestic Travel Trends

Domestic travel in the United States is a thriving industry, with over 60% of Americans travelling domestically at least once a year. Millennials are the keenest generation of travellers, taking an average of 35 vacation days per year, with Gen X travelling the least. The most popular destinations for domestic tourists are Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City, and most people travel by plane.

Millennials travel the most, with an average of 35 travel days per year

Millennials are the generation that travels the most, with an average of 35 travel days per year. This is compared to Gen X, who travel the least, with an average of 26 days per year. Millennials are spearheading American leisure travel, with 89% wanting to have an active, outdoorsy holiday, and 83% also preferring all-inclusive destinations. They also seem to be the generation most interested in history, culture, and museums, with 67% saying they enjoy including these things on their holidays.

Over 60% of Americans travel domestically 1-2 times per year, and domestic travel in the U.S. continues to thrive, setting new records in 2024 and maintaining momentum into 2025. More than 119 million Americans traveled 50+ miles during the 2024 holiday season, breaking the all-time record set in 2019.

The top cities for domestic tourists are Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City, and most domestic tourists travel by plane. Trips are typically booked 1-3 months in advance. Most of Gen Z gets their travel inspiration from social media. In 2020, 1 in 5 campers – 10.1 million – were first-timers.

Although most Americans engage in domestic travel for leisure, there are those who travel primarily for business. Business trips made up roughly 16% of the total number of domestic trips in the U.S. in 2022. The remaining 84% of domestic trips in the U.S. were for leisure. National holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day are also motivators for traveling locally.

Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City are the top cities for domestic tourists

Most domestic tourists travel by plane, with Delta, Southwest, and United being the best airlines in the United States. Trips are typically booked 1-3 months in advance. While most Americans engage in domestic travel for leisure, business trips made up roughly 16% of the total number of domestic trips in the U.S. in 2022. National holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day also motivate many Americans to travel locally.

When it comes to trip types, American travellers are looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Over a third (37%) want to go on a cruise, and 30% dream of an all-inclusive holiday. However, 89% also want to have an active, outdoorsy holiday. Millennials are particularly interested in history, culture, and museums, with 67% saying they enjoy including these aspects in their holidays.

Most domestic tourists travel by plane

Over 60% of Americans travel domestically 1-2 times per year. The top cities for domestic tourists are Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City. Most domestic tourists travel by plane. The best airlines in the United States are Delta, Southwest, and United. Trips are typically booked 1-3 months in advance.

Millennials travel the most, with an average of 35 travel days per year. They are also the generation most interested in history, culture, and museums, with 67% saying they enjoy including these things on their holidays. They are spearheading American leisure travel.

Gen Z gets most of their travel inspiration from social media. In 2020, 1 in 5 campers – 10.1 million – were first-timers.

Business trips made up roughly 16% of the total number of domestic trips in the U.S. in 2022. The remaining 84% of domestic trips in the U.S. were for leisure. National holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day are also motivators for travelling locally.

Over 60% of Americans travel domestically 1-2 times per year

Millennials are the keenest generation when it comes to travel, with an average of 35 vacation days per year. They are spearheading American leisure travel, with 89% wanting to have an active, outdoorsy holiday and 83% also preferring all-inclusive destinations. In comparison, Gen X travels the least, with an average of 26 days per year.

The top cities for domestic tourists are Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City. Most domestic tourists travel by plane, and trips are typically booked 1-3 months in advance. National holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day are also motivators for travelling locally. For example, the U.S. experiences a surge in domestic travel around Thanksgiving as many people visit their families.

In addition to leisure travel, business trips made up roughly 16% of the total number of domestic trips in the U.S. in 2022. Domestic travel in the U.S. continues to thrive, setting new records in 2024 and maintaining momentum into 2025. More than 119 million Americans travelled 50+ miles during the 2024 holiday season, breaking the all-time record set in 2019.

The most common reason for visiting national parks in the U.S. is seeing nature

Over 60% of Americans travel domestically 1-2 times per year. Domestic travel in the U.S. continues to thrive, setting new records in 2024 and maintaining momentum into 2025. More than 119 million Americans travelled 50+ miles during the 2024 holiday season, breaking the all-time record set in 2019.

Millennials travel the most, with an average of 35 travel days per year. They are also the generation most interested in history, culture, and museums, with 67% saying they enjoy including these things on their holidays.

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