In Brief: American travelers are becoming more strategic, value-focused, and anxiety-driven as they plan trips in 2026, with rewards programs, artificial intelligence tools, and flexible travel options playing an increasingly central role in vacation decisions, according to a new Barclays Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report.
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Image Credit Barclays
Travel Anxiety and Rising Costs Reshape Vacation Planning
Travelers in the United States are approaching vacations with a growing emphasis on affordability, predictability, and control, according to the Barclays 2026 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report. The report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults with rewards credit cards, found that 71 percent of travelers consider getting “a great deal” the most important factor when planning a vacation. At the same time, 55 percent said they tend to overplan trips to avoid surprises and disruptions. Researchers said today’s travelers are balancing rising travel costs, economic uncertainty, and complex trip logistics while still prioritizing meaningful experiences. “Travel today is shaped as much by uncertainty and anxiety as it is by excitement,” the report noted.
Rewards Programs Become Core Travel Tools
Travel rewards and loyalty programs are playing a larger role in how Americans budget and plan trips. According to the survey, 64 percent of respondents use rewards points or loyalty programs to offset travel costs, while 36 percent described rewards programs as their travel “hero” during disruptions or unexpected expenses. The report also found that travelers increasingly view rewards as a way to improve experiences rather than simply reduce costs. More than three-quarters of respondents said they would be more likely to select travel upgrades if points or miles could be used instead of cash. Although many consumers currently redeem rewards for everyday expenses or statement credits, 72 percent of those looking to change redemption habits said they would rather prioritize travel-related uses for rewards programs. Barclays said travelers are increasingly trying to “maximize the value” of trips through strategic spending, loyalty optimization, and upgrade opportunities.
AI Adoption Expands in Travel Planning
Artificial intelligence is becoming a mainstream tool for travel planning, particularly among rewards cardholders and families. The survey found that 57 percent of rewards cardmembers now use AI for travel-related purposes. Travelers reported using AI to search for airfare and hotel deals, generate personalized itineraries, identify restaurants and attractions, and reduce the stress associated with planning. Nearly half of respondents said they are comfortable using AI to find flight and accommodation deals, while 43 percent said they use AI to build personalized itineraries based on their interests. Barclays said AI is increasingly functioning as a “digital travel assistant,” helping travelers manage information overload and decision fatigue. The report also highlighted a significant generational and family divide in AI adoption. Parents, especially those with children under five, were among the most active users of AI travel tools. According to the survey, 79 percent of parents found AI helpful for travel planning compared to 58 percent of non-parents. Parents were also significantly more comfortable using AI to solve problems during trips.
Safety Concerns Influence Destination Choices
Concerns about personal safety and travel disruptions are also shaping traveler behavior. The survey found that 64 percent of travelers worry about personal safety at destinations, while 61 percent are concerned about the safety of their belongings during trips. News coverage and global events are increasingly influencing where Americans choose to travel. Nearly one-third of respondents said current events and news reports impact final destination decisions. The report noted that vacation planning has become increasingly stressful for many travelers, with 52 percent saying they feel overwhelmed by the number of choices involved in planning a trip. Parents reported even higher levels of stress and anxiety related to travel planning than non-parents.
Road Trips and Cruises Continue to Gain Appeal
Travel preferences are also shifting beyond traditional air travel. Road trips remain one of the most popular vacation formats because they offer flexibility, lower costs, and greater control over schedules. Many travelers cited avoiding airport hassles, reducing travel expenses, and simplifying family travel as major advantages of driving vacations. Cruises also continue to evolve beyond traditional perceptions, with Barclays reporting that cruise travelers tend to prioritize exploration, cultural experiences, and the discovery of new destinations. The survey found that cruisers were more likely than the general population to value exposure to new cultures and seek unfamiliar experiences.
Families Become a Major Force in Travel Trends
Families with young children emerged as one of the most active travel segments in the survey. Parents of children under five reported significantly higher levels of recent air and road travel than non-parents. However, family travel also came with increased planning demands and anxiety. Seventy percent of parents with young children said they over-plan trips, compared to 50 percent of non-parents. Barclays said modern travelers increasingly want trips that feel “more predictable, more personal, and more worthwhile,” with flexibility and simplicity becoming central expectations in the travel experience. The survey was conducted in March 2026 among 1,002 U.S. adults who hold rewards credit cards. The reported margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percent.
