American Travelers Show Renewed Optimism as 2025 Ends, Setting the Stage for 2026 Travel Trends :: Hospitality Trends

As 2025 comes to a close, American travelers are displaying renewed optimism, with expected trip volumes climbing back to early-year levels. This marks a recovery from spring’s tariff-induced uncertainty.

As 2025 comes to a close, American travelers are displaying renewed optimism, with expected trip volumes climbing back to early-year levels. This marks a recovery from spring’s tariff-induced uncertainty. Generational differences present opportunities for travel marketers, with Millennials prioritizing wellness-driven travel and Gen Z leading “connection travel” to meet online friends in person for the first time.

Financial Sentiment and Travel Spending

American travelers’ financial sentiment remains steady as the year ends, maintaining the recovery observed over the summer. Conversations around U.S. tariffs had previously caused uncertainty in the spring. Currently, 34.9% of American travelers feel better off financially than they did a year ago, a notable increase from last year. Despite a slight month-over-month decrease in financial outlook, 45.5% expect to be better off financially a year from now.

Concerns about a near-term U.S. recession have eased slightly, with 45.4% expecting a recession in the next six months, down from last month’s 48.5%. This sentiment remains largely negative compared with November 2024, when the share of travelers anticipating a near-term recession was lowest.

Willingness to Spend on Travel

Perceptions of the current time being favorable for travel have improved modestly this month, following a four-month decline. In November, 35.4% of Americans believed it was a good time to travel, up from last month. Travel remains a high budget priority for 56.7% of travelers, with maximum annual travel budgets holding steady at around $6,000. This suggests a willingness to spend on travel as the holiday season approaches.

Recent Travel Volume and Future Expectations

Recent travel volume shows a seasonal decline, with 46.7% of American travelers reporting an overnight leisure trip in November. However, overnight trips to visit friends and family remained relatively stable. Day trips also declined, but trips to visit friends and family remained consistent.

The most encouraging signal for the industry is the rebound in expected trip volume to 4.0 trips, matching early-year optimism. High-income travelers and parents of school-aged children report higher expected trip volumes, indicating these segments as key drivers for future travel.

Wellness and Travel Trends for Younger Generations

The relationship between stress, mental wellness, and travel is significant, especially for younger travelers. Millennials and Gen Z report lower life satisfaction and higher stress levels compared to Boomers. Over 70% of Millennial travelers consider leisure travel important for well-being, and more than half plan trips specifically for wellness.

Travel Trends Shaping 2026

Culinary travel remains a popular trend, appealing to 62.8% of American travelers. Millennials lead in emerging trends, showing interest in slowcations, experiential travel, and noctourism. Gen Z pioneers “connection travel,” taking trips to meet online friends or partners in person.

Key Takeaways for the Travel Industry

The recovery in trip volume to 4.0 expected trips suggests momentum heading into 2026. High earners and families are significant volume drivers, with wellness being a crucial consideration for younger travelers. Culinary travel has become a staple, and emerging trends like noctourism and connection travel offer opportunities for differentiation.

Discover more at Future Partners.