Despite economic uncertainties, younger and higher-income Americans are showing a robust interest in summer vacations for 2025. This trend is highlighted in the latest Vacation Confidence Index released by Allianz Partners USA, which indicates a significant disparity in vacation planning across different demographic groups.
Demographic Dynamics in Vacation Planning
The Allianz Partners USA’s annual Vacation Confidence Index reveals that 70% of Americans under 35 are confident about taking a summer vacation this year, compared to just 57% of those aged 55 and above. This data suggests a generational shift in vacation confidence, with younger adults showing a stronger inclination towards travel despite economic challenges.
Income levels also play a crucial role in shaping travel plans. About 76% of Americans with an annual income over $100,000 plan to travel this summer, starkly higher than the 45% among those earning below $50,000. Education further influences these decisions, as 70% of college-educated individuals plan to vacation, versus 50% without a degree.
Impact of Family and Gender
Family dynamics and gender also significantly influence travel trends. Parents with children at home are particularly eager, with 74% planning summer vacations compared to 58% of non-parents. Both men and women show strong vacation confidence, at 68% and 59% respectively, indicating a widespread enthusiasm for travel across different household types.
Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners USA, notes that Gen Z, Millennials, and affluent families are notably driving the recovery in the travel sector. Less-than-ideal economic conditions do not deter these groups and are proactive in their travel bookings. The importance of travel insurance is emphasized to protect these investments against unforeseen circumstances.
The Vacation Confidence Index, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs since 2009, defines a vacation as a leisure trip of at least one week to a destination at least 100 miles from home. The 2025 survey involved 2,005 Americans and has a credibility interval of +/—2.7 percentage points.
Conclusion
The 2025 Vacation Confidence Index findings underline a clear trend: younger, wealthier, and educated Americans are leading the charge in the travel industry’s recovery. This demographic is keen on maintaining travel habits, underscoring a broader consumer trend towards valuing experiences despite economic pressures.
View the Vacation Confidence Index.
