2026 Summer Travel Survey: How Americans Are Planning Vacation This Year

Key Takeaways

• Nearly three-quarters of Americans plan to travel this summer, and most expect to take several trips.
• Average summer travel costs increased year over year, with nearly half expecting to spend more.
• AI‑powered trip planning is rising, but trust remains mixed.
• Interest in travel insurance with assistance services increased compared to last summer.

We surveyed U.S. travelers about their summer vacation plans, from where they’re going and how long they’ll stay to how early they’re booking and what concerns influence decisions. This year’s data also reveals a growing role for technology and AI in trip planning.

“American travelers are approaching summer 2026 with confidence, but also with intention,” said Paul-Adrien Maizener, CEO, Generali Global Assistance. “We’re seeing sustained demand for travel, paired with more thoughtful decisions around destinations, budgets, and protection. Travelers aren’t pulling back. They’re planning smarter and prioritizing peace of mind as part of the journey.”

Below, we break down the key insights from our 2026 Summer Travel Survey, along with what they mean for anyone planning a trip this season.

Are Americans Traveling This Summer?

Travel remains firmly on the calendar in 2026. Nearly three‑quarters of U.S. respondents (72%) say they plan to take at least one summer trip this year, reinforcing that summer travel continues to be a priority.

• 37% of travelers are planning several summer trips, compared with 35% planning only one.

• Travelers planning multiple trips increased by +5% compared to last year. This indicates that summer 2026 travel is less about a single dominant vacation and more about spreading travel across the season.

Also Read: Top Summer Vacation Destinations for 2026

What’s Happening With Trip Costs in 2026

Trip costs remain a defining factor for U.S. travelers, with average summer travel spending increasing compared to last year.

• Average U.S. leisure trip budget: $3,545.
• Average budget per traveler: $1,721.

Budget expectations compared to last year:

• 49% of U.S. travelers expect to spend more on travel.
• 19% expect to spend less, while others expect similar spending.

Despite higher average budgets, travelers appear more likely to adjust trip structure rather than opt out of travel altogether.

Also Read: Why 2026 is The Year of Affordable Travel

When Americans Are Taking Their Longest Trips

Summer remains the most common time for Americans to take their longest leisure trip of the year.

Compared to 2025, average trip length increased slightly:

• From approximately 1.5 weeks to 1.6 weeks on average.

Domestic vs. International Travel in 2026

Domestic and international travel plans are nearly evenly split this summer:

• 49% of travelers plan to stay within the U.S., reflecting a significant increase in domestic trips compared to last summer.

• 51% plan to travel internationally.

While international travel remains popular, the growth in domestic travel reflects ease of planning and destination familiarity.

Top International Summer Destinations for 2026

Once again, Europe and Canada dominate Americans’ international travel plans, as shown in the ranked top destinations:

1. Italy
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. France
5. Germany
6. Australia
7. Mexico
8. Bahamas
9. Brazil
10. Greece
11. Japan
12. Spain

These rankings reinforce that familiar, well‑established destinations continue to outperform novelty.

How Americans Are Booking Summer Travel

Booking behavior in 2026 reflects a preference for convenience and predictability:

• Transportation choices are increasingly driven by ease rather than cost.
• Direct airline and hotel bookings remain dominant.

How Technology and AI Are Influencing Trip Planning

AI‑powered tools are beginning to influence how Americans plan travel, though trust is still developing:

• Usage of AI travel tools is higher than last summer.
• 29% have used AI to plan or book travel.
• Around 40% would consider using AI tools in the future.

AI is primarily used for inspiration, research, and comparisons rather than final booking decisions.

Top Travel Concerns: What’s Worrying U.S. Travelers in 2026?

Interest in travel protection increased compared to last summer.

Among travelers planning summer trips:

• 62% prioritize emergency medical coverage.
• 59% prioritize trip cancellation coverage and 58% prioritize trip interruption.

This reflects a shift toward proactive risk management as trip values increase.

Why Some Americans Aren’t Traveling This Summer

Even with high enthusiasm, travelers cite practical concerns while planning: bad weather at the destination (44%), unplanned delays (40%), overcrowding (40%), and losing something important (40%) are among the top concerns.

As a result, travelers likelihood to purchase travel protection increased year over year, rising from 41% in 2025 to 44% in 2026 .

While affordability remains the leading reason some Americans skip summer travel, concern about safety and security when choosing destinations increased compared to last year.

Benefits of Travel Protection Include:

New Travel Motivations in 2026: Familiarity and Escapism

Two notable upward shifts this year:

• More travelers are motivated by relaxation and escapism than ever before.
• Choosing destinations previously visited was more common than last summer.

Comfort and familiarity increasingly outweigh novelty.

Where Americans Are Going: Destination Type Trends

Destination preferences shifted compared to last year:

• Seaside destinations increased in popularity.
• Road trips, camping, trips to rural areas, and all‑inclusive resorts declined year over year.

What This Means for Summer Travelers in 2026

Summer travel in 2026 is defined by:

• More travelers taking several trips
• Slightly longer average stays
• A preference for familiar destinations
• Increased focus on safety, ease, and travel protection

Travelers are planning more intentionally — prioritizing confidence, comfort, and meaningful downtime.

Also Read: The Traveler’s Guide to Not Draining Your Wallet

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Travel in 2026

Are Americans traveling more this summer?

Yes — summer travel remains very strong in 2026. Nearly three‑quarters of U.S. respondents (72%) say they plan to take at least one summer trip, showing that travel is still a priority for most Americans. At the same time, travelers are spreading trips across the season rather than centering everything around a single vacation.

Are Americans taking multiple trips or just one main vacation?

More travelers are taking multiple trips rather than focusing on one primary vacation. About 37% of respondents plan several summer trips, slightly more than those planning just one trip, signaling a shift toward flexible and frequent travel.

Is affordability still the biggest reason people skip summer travel?

Affordability remains the leading reason some Americans skip summer travel, but it is no longer the only major concern. Safety and security considerations now play a larger role when people decide whether or not to travel and where to go.

What’s motivating travel decisions in 2026?

Emotional factors are driving travel decisions more than novelty. Relaxation and escapism are stronger motivators this year, and travelers are increasingly choosing destinations they already know and enjoy. Comfort, simplicity, and familiarity often outweigh the desire to explore somewhere new.

Are people choosing domestic or international trips?

Domestic and international travel are nearly evenly split in 2026. Domestic trips have become more popular compared to last summer, while international travel remains steady — especially to familiar destinations in Europe and Canada.

What types of destinations are most popular this summer?

Seaside and coastal destinations are gaining popularity this summer. In contrast, countryside trips, mountain travel, camping, road trips, and all‑inclusive resorts are less common than in previous years.

Are Americans staying longer on summer trips?

Yes. The average length of summer trips increased slightly, with travelers opting for longer stays rather than short, fragmented getaways. This reflects a preference for fewer transitions and more time spent at a single destination.

How are travelers booking and planning trips in 2026?

Convenience plays a major role in booking decisions. Travelers continue to favor direct airline and hotel bookings, and many prioritize ease over price when choosing transportation. AI‑powered tools are increasingly used for research and inspiration, though most travelers still prefer to make final booking decisions themselves.

What are travelers most concerned about this summer?

Health issues, trip disruptions, and unexpected cancellations are top concerns for summer travelers. Medical coverage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption protection are the most commonly prioritized types of travel coverage, reflecting greater awareness of travel risks.

Don't Forget Travel Protection

Today’s travelers are planning more intentionally — and that includes thinking ahead about protection. Travel insurance with assistance services can help safeguard your plans if unexpected delays, cancellations, lost belongings, or medical emergencies occur.

Generali Global Assistance provides travel protection options designed to support travelers throughout their journey, with around‑the‑clock assistance and Concierge Services available when plans change.

Get a quick, no‑obligation quote to check prices and coverage options for your trip.

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