Americans Planning an Average of Almost Four Vacations Over the Next 12 Months

Americans are doubling down on travel, proving that vacations remain a priority even as consumers keep a close eye on their wallets.

According to the newly released 2026 Portrait of American Traveler “Fall Edition” from MMGY Global, travel demand has rebounded significantly since the summer, with travelers planning an average of nearly four vacations and an expected spend of $5,655 over the next 12 months.

Consumers aren’t immune to economic pressures, including rising gas prices, but they still aren’t giving up their trips. Rather than canceling, consumers are adapting: 35% are opting to travel during off-peak periods, and 32% are cutting back on discretionary spending elsewhere in their daily lives. Cost is also steering more travelers toward domestic destinations, with 64% citing lower expenses as a primary reason to stay within the U.S.

The results, which are based on interviews with 4,500 U.S. adults ranging from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers, also show a wide generational spending divide. Baby Boomers lead the pack, expecting to spend $8,796 on travel over the next year-more than four times the $2,195 expected by Gen Z travelers, which is not atypical of the gap between a generation at or headed toward retirement and one just getting started in their careers.

As part of the study, MMGY also looked at AI in trip planning. Adoption is climbing rapidly, with 51% of leisure travelers now utilizing AI for travel planning (up 11 percentage points year over year), and spikes reaching 71% among Gen Z and 68% among households with children.

However, AI is currently playing a role primarily in inspiration and discovery, with only 4% of travelers ranking it among their top three trip-planning steps for booking-a reassuring sign for advisors, and a reality many have recognized since the launch of ChatGPT three years ago.

While several travel motivators softened compared to last year, interest in state and national parks remains resilient. Among park enthusiasts, Yellowstone (75%) and the Grand Canyon (66%) top the wishlist.

Ultimately, the research points to a more fragmented U.S. travel market heading into 2027. With generational and income divides widening, travel advisors face a distinct opportunity to step in, helping clients navigate shifting definitions of value, unearth the right destinations, and curate experiences tailored to their specific life stages.