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Summer Travel Is On as Americans Cut Back Elsewhere to Fund Getaways
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and rising costs, 85% of US travelers say they're desperate for a vacation, according to the just-released 2026 Allianz Partners' Global Travel Confidence Index*.
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RICHMOND, Va., May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and rising costs, 85% of US travelers say they're desperate for a vacation, according to the just-released 2026 Allianz Partners' Global Travel Confidence Index*. The survey of 2,001 Americans, conducted by polling firm IPSOS for Allianz Partners, found that seven in ten Americans (70%) say they plan to travel this summer, signaling strong pent-up demand to get away. Domestic travel is dominating Americans' travel plans, with more than half of travelers (51%) planning trips within the United States. Of the 51% of American's traveling domestically, over one-third of Americans (36%) are opting for scenic escapes domestically to seaside, mountain, or countryside destinations, while 27% plan to explore cities. Meanwhile, 19% of Americans intend to travel internationally, and 30% of Americans do not plan on traveling at all. Why Vacation Demand Remains Strong The U.S. survey reveals that the emotional importance of travel remains high. A significant majority (86%) of American travelers agree that taking an annual vacation is important, and 85% say they desperately need a vacation this year, with women (90%) and Gen Xers (91%) travelers the most desperate for a vacation. However, economic pressures are influencing how travelers plan and spend. Nearly eight in ten (79%) express concern about rising travel costs. As a result, 49% are scaling back their travel plans, while 59% report cutting back on non-essential expenses in their daily lives to afford their trips. Despite these adjustments, Americans are still willing to invest in travel, with average planned spending reaching $2,665 per person this summer. "Even in the face of economic challenges, Americans are showing a clear commitment to travel," said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners. "While many are making trade-offs in other areas of their budgets, they continue to prioritize meaningful travel experiences. That makes it more important than ever to plan ahead and protect those trips with travel insurance, providing peace of mind and protection when the unexpected disrupts even the most carefully planned trips." 2026 Key Trends The 2026 Global Travel Confidence Index highlighted the following emerging behaviors from U.S. travelers: The Global Travel Confidence Index was conduc...