Cruising and Bleisure Travel Gain Popularity Among U.S. and Canadian Tourists, According to MMGY

The MMGY study, “2025 Portrait of American & Canadian International Travelers,” indicates a notable rise in international travel plans among U.S. and Canadian tourists. U.S. travelers plan to take an average of 2.8 international trips over the next two years, while Canadians plan for 2.2 trips. U.S. travelers’ spending on international vacations has increased by 10% compared to the previous year, while Canadian spending remains stable.

Safety and Political Climate

Safety and political stability have become primary considerations for international travel plans, surpassing concerns about cost. The study found that 34% of Americans have altered travel plans due to tariff issues, with 26% canceling trips. Among Canadians, 23% are less interested in visiting the U.S. in the next three years, indicating a shift in cross-border travel dynamics.

Cruising Trends

Interest in ocean cruising has increased significantly, with 78% of Americans and 61% of Canadians expressing interest, marking a 12-point rise from the previous year. The demand is driven by younger travelers seeking adventurous itineraries in emerging markets such as Africa and Asia, while traditional European and Caribbean routes remain popular among older travelers.

Bleisure Travel Growth

The combination of business and leisure travel, known as “bleisure,” has become a common practice. The study reports that 88% of Americans and 78% of Canadians are extending business trips for leisure purposes. This trend benefits destinations, hotels, and tour operators offering seamless work-and-play experiences.

Professional Travel Planning

The complexity of travel has led to a resurgence in the use of travel advisors. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) plan to use a travel advisor in the next two years, up from 49%. This increase is primarily driven by Millennials who value logistical support for planning complex trips, especially multigenerational family vacations.

Premium Travel Preferences

There is a growing trend toward premium travel, with 34% of U.S. international travelers regularly flying business or first class, up from 25% in 2024. Travelers are willing to accept connecting flights for better deals, reflecting a strategic approach to maximizing vacation time and spending.

Survey Details

The findings are based on a July 2025 survey of 2,064 adults in the U.S. and Canada who have traveled outside North America or the Caribbean in the past three years and plan to do so again in the next 12 months. Approximately half of the respondents have a household income over $100,000, with 7% earning more than $250,000.