In 2025, American travelers spent an average of $2,261 on travel, with road trips and beach getaways being the most popular choices. A survey of 2,000 frequent travelers found that Americans visited two new states and one new country on average, and 76% were confident about traveling more in 2026.
Travel Spending and Destinations
The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of CheapCaribbean Vacations, highlighted that Americans spent an average of $2,261 on travel in 2025. Travelers expanded their horizons by visiting two new states and one new country on average. The most popular destinations included U.S. cities, which topped the list of memorable trips for 21% of respondents, followed by beach getaways at 19%.
Preferred Modes of Travel
Road trips dominated travel methods in 2025, with 55% of respondents opting to travel by car. This preference for road travel outpaced domestic flights (30%) and international flights (13%). Cruises were the least popular option, with only 2% of travelers choosing it.
Types of Trips and Travel Companions
Visiting friends or relatives was the most common reason for travel in 2025, cited by 41% of respondents. Other popular trip types included beach getaways (15%), outdoor and adventure travel (14%), and city breaks (11%). Most travelers were accompanied by a spouse or partner (34%) or immediate family (34%), while 24% traveled with friends.
Booking Preferences and Technology
When booking trips, 30% of respondents relied on online travel sites, while 20% preferred recommendations from friends or family. Airline and hotel websites were used by 18% of travelers. Dana Studebaker, Vice President of Marketing at CheapCaribbean Vacations, noted that new technology, including personalized online tools, has enabled travelers to discover destinations that match their preferences and budgets.
Travel Challenges and Lessons Learned
Packing challenges were common, with phone chargers (15%) and sunscreen (14%) being the most frequently forgotten items. Travelers learned valuable lessons, such as taking more photos (16%), being open to spontaneous plans (14%), planning earlier (13%), and packing lighter (10%).
Emotional Impact and Future Travel Plans
The travel experiences of 2025 left many Americans feeling relaxed (23%), grateful (19%), and refreshed (13%). Looking ahead to 2026, 76% of respondents expressed confidence in traveling more, with beach getaways and road trips topping their lists. Popular destinations for the upcoming year include New York City, Italy, Paris, and Japan. Travelers plan to prioritize couples’ trips, friend group adventures, and budget-friendly or all-inclusive beach vacations.
Conclusion
The 2025 travel trends reveal a strong preference for road trips and beach getaways among American travelers. As they look forward to 2026, there is a clear desire for experiences that offer relaxation and connection. With confidence high for increased travel, Americans are eager to explore new destinations and create memorable experiences.
