Why Tour Operators Are Embracing Domestic Travel for Summer 2025 & Beyond

Tour operators like G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, and EF World Journeys have all announced new domestic tours in recent weeks, hinting at a larger trend in travel booking preferences.

The tourism industry has found itself in a predicament as we approach the peak summer travel season. Research shows that travel intent is strong—arguably as high as it’s ever been—but months of looming geopolitical tensions are weighing on people’s minds.

On June 21, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued a “Worldwide Caution” travel advisory for all U.S. citizens traveling abroad, warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling internationally. The Middle East, in particular, is facing reduced tourism due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Even travel between the U.S. and Canada has been impacted by international politics and high-profile border-crossing horror stories.  

Regardless, people want to travel this summer. Research from Allianz Partners USA found a record-high number of Americans planned to travel over the summer months, being driven by higher-income households (more than $100,000 annual income) and those aged 18 to 35 years old.

Another recent survey, conducted by Squaremouth, revealed this demographic has more anxiety about flight disruptions and, in response, is prioritizing closer destinations with shorter flights.

“Travelers are packing their patience this summer as they take to the skies. While they’re still taking their vacations, they’re doing so differently than in years past, as they opt for closer destinations and prioritize travel insurance to protect against potential issues like delays and cancellations,” said Ned Tadic, manager of public relations at Squaremouth.

Gen Zs and Millennials are driving summer 2025 travel trends, and this includes increased demand for domestic and/or North American destinations.

U.S. & Canada Tour Operators Double-Down on Domestic Travel

With ongoing conflicts, travel advisories, and diplomatic uncertainties looming over international travel, more and more people are opting to vacation close to home. Tour operators in the U.S. and Canada have taken notice of the shift and are embracing domestic travel.

According to EF World Journeys’ own data, 78% of North American travelers say they’re more interested in domestic and regional destinations. In response, EF Go Ahead Tours and EF Adventures have launched four exciting new “Go Americas” itineraries—three of which are in the U.S. and one in Canada.

The new itineraries include a seven-day winter escape in Alaska to see the Northern Lights, an eight-day Hawaii vacation, a seven-day active journey in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park, and, finally, a six-day Canadian Rockies experience that covers nearly 1,000 miles. The last two are also EF Adventures’ first hiking itineraries in North America.

“From the Denali National Park to Kauai’s Waimea Canyon to the majesty of mountain views from Sedona to Banff, there is a lot to see when you choose to travel closer to home right here North America,” said Heidi Durflinger, CEO, EF Word Journeys USA and operator of EF Go Ahead Tours and EF Adventures.

Small Group Tour Operators Strategically Expand in North America

Small group specialists G Adventures and Intrepid have also recently unveiled new itineraries in North America. In celebration of its Canadian roots, G Adventures added nine new Canada tours—its biggest-ever expansion within the Great White North.

“We’ve had countless requests from our travellers and agents in recent years for more Canada trips and, when they ask, we listen,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, in a statement. “Our domestic travellers will have the opportunity to explore some of the wonders of their own backyard, while our international travel community will get an insider’s peek into the natural and cultural gems that Canada has to offer.”

Intrepid Travel, meanwhile, has leaned into supporting U.S. national parks with its new limited-edition “Active-ism” trips. Created in response to the sweeping proposed budget cuts to the U.S. National Park Service, the two new tours will blend adventure with advocacy. Travelers will be led by local guides and influential activists on trips to three of the most iconic U.S. national parks: Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone.

Currently, the two Active-ism trips (four departures total) are the only Intrepid itineraries with an activist host as well as a local guide. Public lands advocate Alex Haraus and environmental advocate and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, Wawa Gatheru, will each host a departure of the five-day Active-ism: Zion & The Grand Canyon trip. Climate educator Michael Mezzatesta and environmental author Leah Thomas will each host the six-day Active-ism: Yellowstone & The Grand Tetons trip.

“With these Active-ism trips, we hope to raise awareness and foster discussion around the challenges facing U.S. national parks, while empowering travelers to advocate on their behalf and have the trip of a lifetime,” said Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel.

For Intrepid, the Active-ism trips go beyond following a consumer trend. Intrepid has reduced the cost of departures to make the trips more accessible (from $1,446), and the initiative is part of the company’s wider commitment to donate $50,000 USD on behalf of its travelers to NGOs protecting the U.S. national parks.

“Whether you travel with Intrepid or not, the most important thing is that you go. And if you can’t visit a park, you can support them by learning, sharing, advocating, volunteering or even donating to your local national park,” said Barnes.

Other New U.S Tours Debuting in Summer 2026

It’s not just active tour operators investing in domestic travel.

Earlier this month, TTC Tour Brands announced 16 new tours for 2026, representing the company’s largest introduction of new trips in seven years and bringing the company’s 2026 offerings to 2,000+ definite departure dates. Two of these new itineraries are U.S. tours, both set to launch in summer 2026.

Trafalgar’s Scenic Great Lakes with Mackinac Island tour is a nine-day guided vacation through the heart of the American Midwest. Starting in Chicago, IL, the trip explores the culture, history, and scenic views of the region, with immersive experiences such as a tasting at the award-winning Farmhaus Cider, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and a cruise on Lake Huron.

On the premium end, Insight Vacations is debuting Soul of the Deep South next summer. This nine-day guided tour focuses on America’s musical heartland, with stops in Nashville, TN, Memphis, TN, Jackson, MS, and New Orleans, LA. Travelers can book the itinerary for classic, small group, and women-only departures.

“As travellers seek deeper meaning in their journeys and look beyond traditional routes, we’re delivering curated experiences that reflect these emerging interests,” said Toni Ambler, managing director of TTC Tour Brands.