Travel Trends

Nearly half of Americans expect 2026 to be a year centered on nostalgia, with many planning travel experiences that revisit meaningful places and moments from their past, according to a new survey.

Predictions indicate an increase in domestic travel over the July 4th week, with an estimated 72.2 million Americans planning trips, potentially impacting various sectors within the hospitality industry.

International air passenger travel to and from the United States decreased slightly in May 2026 compared with the previous year, with overseas visitation down 6.5% and overall enplanements down 1.2%, according to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office.

More than half of UK travellers now use AI tools for holiday planning, marking the fastest growth in AI adoption among major European markets, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence.

Despite mounting economic pressures, including softened financial sentiment and rising fuel costs, American travelers continue to prioritize leisure travel, with actual trip-taking and spending holding steady even as forward-looking indicators show caution and reduced excitement.

New research from ABTA indicates that despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising living costs, a majority of UK adults continue to prioritize overseas holidays, with 64% planning international travel in the next year and a significant portion delaying bookings due to financial concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.

New data from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) shows that business travel within and to the U.S. generated $623.8 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 6.7 million jobs and contributing 2.1% to the nation’s GDP, with meetings and events accounting for over 40% of total spending.

A surprising reversal in the trend of post-pandemic recovery has occurred, with European passenger traffic experiencing a decline for the first time since restrictions began to ease.

Data from March 2026 indicates a significant increase in international travel to and from the U.S., nearing the volume seen before the global health crisis.

A new survey finds Americans are increasingly planning summer vacations around live events, sports, cruises, and wellness escapes, with younger travelers leading the trend toward experiential and purpose-driven travel.